Ramaphosa Guides ANC into Crucial South African Election

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, re-elected to the African National Congress (ANC) in 2022, confronts hurdles in boosting economic growth, tackling high unemployment, and eliminating power cuts.

He played a pivotal role as the ANC’s top negotiator in the peaceful demise of apartheid and significantly contributed to the development of South Africa’s progressive constitution.

In the 1980s, Ramaphosa challenged white mine owners and assumed the role of ANC secretary-general in 1992.

Taking over from Jacob Zuma as ANC leader in 2017, he faced criticism for hesitating on vital reforms to prevent internal divisions. Nonetheless, his proponents appreciate his skill in maintaining unity and credit him with enhancing South Africa’s status as a champion of the “Global South”.

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Ramaphosa advocated globally for a more equitable distribution of vaccines. South Africa brought a genocide case against Israel to the International Court of Justice, resulting in a ruling that demanded Israel cease its military offensive in the Gaza city of Rafah.

Critics argue that Ramaphosa has not presented substantial new solutions to the major challenges facing South Africa, encompassing high crime rates and pronounced inequality. Should the party lose its majority for the first time in 30 years, some political experts suggest that the 71-year-old Ramaphosa is unlikely to serve a second term.