In a moment both striking and revealing, Cyril Ramaphosa has admitted that the greatest threats facing the ANC are rooted within the party itself.

While concerns over factionalism, careerism, and a decline in discipline have circulated for years, it is remarkable to see the President acknowledge these issues so candidly. Ramaphosa’s statement marks a turning point - a moment when the internal dynamics of the ANC have become so undeniable that the country’s leader can no longer avoid addressing them publicly.

Ramaphosa urged members to engage in critical introspection. He called out “careerists”, factionalists, and those focused more on personal gain than on serving the citizens. “We are at a critical point as a movement”, he said. “We need to take a critical look at ourselves and what must be done to reclaim the trust of our people.” His words paint a sobering picture of the challenges within the ANC that threaten its stability and, by extension, the well-being of South Africa.

The President referenced the previous election results as a clear signal of public discontent over persistent issues such as poverty, unemployment, crime, and corruption. He urged ANC leaders to put the interests of the people first.

For South Africans, this is a significant admission, since the ANC’s internal dynamics have a direct bearing on public trust, the business environment, and ultimately, national stability.

By Sanja Botha, a Policy Advisor at the National Employers' Association of South Africa (NEASA).