In an extraordinary and unexpected turn of events, South Africa’s political landscape has been rocked by a blistering speech from ANC Secretary General, Fel Malula, which many are now calling a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic history.
During a behind-closed-doors National Executive Committee (NEC) briefing, which was expected to be a routine discussion, Malula delivered a scathing attack on President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The allegations were severe, accusing the president of failing to live up to the promises of renewal and reform that once defined his rise to power.
What followed was a deeply confrontational political showdown that is now seen as potentially altering the trajectory of Ramaphosa’s presidency and the future of the African National Congress (ANC).
Malula, known for his blunt and fiery rhetoric, laid bare what he described as the ANC’s abandonment of its revolutionary roots.
In a speech that shocked those present, he accused Ramaphosa of presiding over a government paralyzed by indecision and unwillingness to take bold action.
Malula’s words were a direct challenge to the president’s leadership style and record, denouncing the government for its failure to address corruption, unemployment, and the erosion of key state institutions such as healthcare, policing, and energy.
His remarks painted a picture of a government disconnected from the needs of ordinary South Africans and accused the president of betraying the very ideals that once inspired hope in the party and the country at large.
The response from the room was immediate.
Malula’s speech reportedly caused stunned silence among senior ANC members who were taken aback by the directness of the criticism.
However, Malula did not stop there.
He further alleged that Ramaphosa had failed to fulfill his pledge to cleanse the ANC of corruption, pointing to the fact that party leaders were still defending figures they had previously vowed to remove.
This, Malula argued, was evidence of the widening gap between the rhetoric of reform and the reality of entrenched corruption within the ANC.
The aftermath of Malula’s speech was swift and intense.
His remarks quickly leaked out to the public, igniting a national debate about the state of the ANC, Ramaphosa’s leadership, and the country’s political future.
The impact was immediate as social media platforms exploded with discussion, hashtags related to the president and Malula trended, and political analysts began dissecting the implications of what was described as one of the most combative moments in ANC history.
The accusations leveled against Ramaphosa were seen by many as a reflection of the frustrations simmering within the party and among the South African public.
The fallout was particularly sharp because Malula’s comments went beyond mere dissatisfaction.
He accused Ramaphosa of governing in a manner that prioritized appeasing internal party factions rather than confronting them head-on.
He argued that this style of leadership, focused on consensus and compromise, had weakened the ANC’s ability to deliver meaningful change.
Malula’s speech, in essence, called for a new kind of leadership within the ANC—one that was willing to take risks, make tough decisions, and prioritize the needs of the country over internal party politics.
The political ramifications of Malula’s speech have been profound.
Within the ANC, reactions were divided.
Some members welcomed his bold stance, viewing it as an overdue critique of the party’s failings.
Others, however, feared the destabilizing effect of such an open confrontation.
Despite these internal divisions, it was clear that Malula had struck a chord with the public.
South Africans, frustrated by years of political dysfunction, corruption scandals, and unmet promises of renewal, saw Malula’s words as a much-needed call for accountability.
Opposition parties were quick to seize on the moment, with Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen calling for an emergency parliamentary session to investigate the allegations made by Malula.
He argued that if even a fraction of Malula’s claims were proven true, it would represent the most significant betrayal of the South African public since the era of state capture under former President Jacob Zuma.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, also weighed in, mocking Ramaphosa’s leadership and using Malula’s comments to bolster their own claims of corruption within the ANC.
Despite the public outcry, Ramaphosa’s response was more subdued.
The presidency issued a brief statement acknowledging Malula’s remarks and confirming that they were under review by legal counsel.
The statement denied any wrongdoing and cautioned the public against spreading misleading information.
However, behind the scenes, reports suggested that the ANC leadership was scrambling to manage the fallout.
Emergency meetings were held, and some members privately expressed concern about the potential damage to the party’s reputation.
The public reaction to Malula’s speech was a mixture of anger, frustration, and a sense of vindication.
Many ordinary South Africans, particularly those struggling with unemployment, poor public services, and the increasing cost of living, saw Malula’s words as a rare moment of truth.
For years, they had felt that political leaders, particularly within the ANC, had been insulated from the consequences of their actions.
Malula’s speech, and the subsequent fallout, appeared to signal that the tide might be turning—that powerful political figures could no longer act with impunity.
The ANC now faces a crossroads.
The party must decide how to handle the growing discontent among its ranks and the South African public.
Some leaders argue for a quick and decisive response to silence Malula’s accusations, while others caution against overreacting, fearing that such a move could further alienate the public.
What is clear, however, is that the ANC’s carefully curated image of unity and moral authority has been shaken.
Ramaphosa, once seen as a symbol of reconciliation and renewal, now faces the most significant challenge of his presidency.
In the midst of all the political drama, the central question remains: will the ANC be able to navigate this crisis and restore public trust, or is this the beginning of the end for the party’s dominance in South African politics? With the 2026 elections looming, the stakes have never been higher.
The party’s ability to address the issues raised by Malula, and to demonstrate true accountability, will likely determine its future.
As the nation grapples with the fallout from Malula’s speech, one thing is certain: South Africa has entered a new phase of political reckoning.
The days of tolerating corruption and political failure without consequence appear to be coming to an end, and the future of the ANC—along with the country’s democratic integrity—is now on the line.
