For a long time, South Africa’s governing party, the ANC, fought against the loss of a majority with the clean image of its leader. President Ramaphosa has gambled away his reputation and remains in office.
Cyril Ramaphosa thoughtfully leaned his head on his left hand when his re-election as President of the African National Congress (ANC) was announced at Johannesburg’s Nasrec Convention Center this week. The 70-year-old almost gave a start when his supporters within the South African governing party congratulated him enthusiastically. Ramaphosa looked like one feels when one has weathered another storm but already sees the next one coming: exhausted.
For now, Ramaphosa remains the country’s most important politician. Because this office means nothing less. Without the presidency of the ANC, which rules with an absolute majority, it would have been inconceivable that he would have been able to continue as President of South Africa. Both positions are usually held by the same person.