‘He’s finished’: ANC cadres reject Ramaphosa’s anti-nepotism request

President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing genuine opposition against his plans to fight corruption within the ANC. Reports surfaced on Monday evening that the head of state had addressed the National Executive Committee (NEC), to discourage relatives of party members from doing business with the government.

Ramaphosa’s corruption measures ‘challenged by party members’

However, it’s understood that Cyril’s ‘anti-nepotism’ request was rebuffed, with some members questioning Andile Ramaphosa’s business interests: The son of the president has also been working with political authorities after he secured a R6m contract with the government of Gauteng to provide ventilation for taxis.

In what has been a devastating fortnight for Ramaphosa, corruption allegations have emerged left, right, and centre of the ANC. His own office was rocked by the Khusela Diko scandal, which saw the presidential spokesperson take a leave of absence after her husband was accused of inflating the price of PPE supplies.

ANC corruption and COVID-19 tenders

These so-called ‘COVID-preneurs’ were likened to hyenas by Ramaphosa on Monday, and it seems like the pack has enjoyed a good laugh at the leader’s expense. It is alleged that his proposals to ensure family members of politicians can’t enter into business agreements with the state was openly challenged.

Both Ace Magashule and Nomvula Mokonyane have been implicated in some suspicious dealings, as their children both scored COVID-19-related tenders back in March. Ramaphosa’s assertion that these deals create an air of scandal – even if they are all above board – was apparently rejected by several members.

DA labels Ramaphosa ‘pathetic’

Dean Macpherson is the shadow minister of trade. He has vented his anger on the subject of Ramaphosa’s leadership, branding him ‘finished’ after the tense NEC meeting ended in a stalemate. The DA is now very much of the view that Cyril cannot control certain factions of the ANC.

“Ramaphosa is finished. Even in the face of national outrage, he can’t lead, and he won’t lead. It’s pathetic”

Dean Macpherson