'Fresh start' without Cyril?

Two deputy presidents mooted, with one from opposition parties.

- Eric Naki

Will Cyril Ramaphosa be sacrificed because of the ANC's poor performance in the recent elections? That's the debate among members of the ANC-led tripartite alliance as they seek a scapegoat for the party's dismal showing in the 2024 national and provincial elections.

ANC insiders say the discussions within the ruling party now revolve around whether Deputy President Paul Mashatile is suitable to replace Ramaphosa as number one.

But many are concerned about the controversies surrounding Mashatile, including allegations that a law firm owned by his friend received R337 million from the Gauteng housing department when Mashatile was MEC. There are a slew of other graft-related allegations involving Mashatile.

However, party insiders, speaking anonymously, said while Ramaphosa's mooted departure was not a done deal but rather one of the scenarios being considered, the ANC would like a fresh start in the incoming administration. Insiders said staunch backers of the new government of national unity (GNU) would prefer as many parties as possible to be accommodated, including even some like the Pan Africanist Congress and Good.