By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Community Newsroom
Seen Here: At Luthuli House, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula briefs the media on NEC outcomes, emphasising unity, accountability, and the party’s roadmap following the latest Constitutional Court ruling. Photo Credit: Community Newsroom
The African National Congress has reaffirmed its full support for President Cyril Ramaphosa and strongly defended the integrity of South Africa’s constitutional institutions following a media briefing held at Luthuli House in Johannesburg today.
Addressing journalists, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula outlined the outcomes of a special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened to deliberate on the Constitutional Court judgment relating to the Section 89 impeachment matter.
The briefing comes amid heightened public and political scrutiny following the ruling by the Constitutional Court, which dealt with procedural aspects of Parliament’s handling of the impeachment process rather than the merits of the allegations against the President.
ANC Clarifies Constitutional Court Judgment
Mbalula said the NEC had carefully considered the judgment and legal advice from senior counsel, and concluded that the ruling did not constitute a finding of wrongdoing against the President.
“The Constitutional Court did not order the impeachment of the President. It did not find the President guilty of anything, nor did it direct his removal from office,” Mbalula stated.
He emphasised that the court’s decision focused on parliamentary procedure, particularly the invalidation of a National Assembly rule governing Section 89 processes, and not on the substance of the independent panel’s findings.
The court also set aside the National Assembly’s resolution of December 2022 and directed Parliament to rectify its rules before any further steps can proceed.
NEC Reaffirms Support for Ramaphosa
The ANC leadership used the briefing to firmly dispel speculation about internal discussions on the possible recall or resignation of the President.
Mbalula confirmed that no such discussions took place at the NEC meeting.
“The recall of the President was not on the agenda. Resignation was not considered. These matters do not arise,” he said.
He added that the NEC had unanimously reaffirmed its confidence in Ramaphosa as both ANC President and Head of State, elected through the party’s internal processes and the national electoral mandate following the 2024 general elections.
Legal Path for Review Supported
The ANC also confirmed its support for Ramaphosa’s decision to pursue a judicial review of the Section 89 Independent Panel report in the High Court in Pretoria.
According to Mbalula, the NEC endorsed the legal approach after considering advice from senior counsel.
“The exercise of constitutional rights is not avoidance of accountability. It is accountability within the framework of the Constitution,” he said.
He stressed that the Constitution guarantees all citizens, including the President, the right to seek legal redress where appropriate.
Defence of Constitutional Institutions
The briefing placed strong emphasis on the ANC’s continued support for South Africa’s judiciary and constitutional democracy.
Mbalula praised Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and the Constitutional Court for handling a complex matter with “discipline, clarity and constitutional maturity.”
He described the judgment as part of the normal functioning and evolution of South Africa’s democratic system rather than a crisis.
“The courts are doing their work, Parliament will do its work, and the Executive will continue governing,” he said.
No Recall Discussion, Ramaphosa Mandate Intact
Mbalula firmly rejected media speculation suggesting internal ANC divisions or discussions on leadership changes.
He said the NEC did not receive any proposals relating to the recall of the President, and no such matter was debated.
“The President’s mandate from the ANC and from the people of South Africa remains intact,” he said.
Ramaphosa, elected at the ANC’s 55th National Conference in Nasrec in 2022, will continue serving his term until the next national conference scheduled for 2027.
Focus on Governance and 2026 Local Elections
Despite the political attention surrounding the judgment, the ANC reiterated that its broader programme of governance and organisational renewal remains unchanged.
The party continues to implement its “Year of Decisive Action to Fix Local Government and Transform the Economy” campaign, with preparations underway for the 2026 local government elections.
Mbalula said branch rebuilding, manifesto consultations and candidate selection processes are progressing across the country.
“The work of government and the work of the movement continues without interruption,” he said.
Organisational Updates in Provinces
The ANC also confirmed organisational adjustments in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, where Provincial Executive Committees whose terms have expired will be replaced with Provincial Task Teams.
Mbalula described the move as a constitutional and administrative step aimed at ensuring organisational continuity.
He clarified that these changes do not affect provincial governments, which continue to function under elected administrations.
“The work of the state continues. Government is not affected by internal party organisational matters,” he said.
Parliamentary Process to Follow Court Ruling
The ANC said it will participate fully in the parliamentary process arising from the Constitutional Court ruling, which requires amendments to National Assembly rules governing Section 89 proceedings.
The process will begin in the Rules Subcommittee and proceed through Parliament’s formal structures under the guidance of Speaker Thoko Didiza.
Mbalula emphasised that the ANC respects Parliament’s independence and will engage constructively in all procedural steps.
Conclusion
The ANC concluded the briefing by reaffirming its commitment to constitutional democracy, institutional stability, and uninterrupted governance.
Mbalula said South Africa’s democratic system remains resilient and capable of managing legal, political and institutional processes simultaneously.
“Our democracy is strong. Institutions are functioning. Governance continues. And the ANC remains committed to serving the people of South Africa,” he said.
