GNU unveils the real Ramaphosa: A cautionary tale for South Africa

By Michael Mayalo

"The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall."- Che Guevara.

In recent months, the increasingly fraught relationship between South Africans and its government has been magnified by the actions of the governing African National Congress (ANC) and its president, Cyril Ramaphosa.

The emergence of the "Government of National Unity" (GNU); an arrangement I would argue has lost moral clarity and political purpose, has brought to light the complexities of leadership in a nation framed by the legacies of apartheid, economic inequality, and rampant corruption. Yet, as the GNU's actions unfold, it increasingly reveals not just the failings of the government but the inadequacies and contradictions inherent in Ramaphosa’s leadership.

Ramaphosa assumed office in 2018 with promises of renewal, transparency, and economic revitalisation. However, as the GNU struggles to deliver on these promises, the former labour union leader’s narrative has become entangled with the very entrenched interests he once sought to dismantle.

The ongoing power struggles within the ANC reveal a president caught between legacy-building and political survival, a paradox limiting his ability to govern effectively.

Under Ramaphosa's leadership, the public's expectation for a clean break from the Jacob Zuma era still needs to be met. Allegations of state capture, widespread corruption, and nepotism continue to permeate the ANC. Instead of rigorously upholding the rule of law and enforcing accountability, Ramaphosa’s administration has often disregarded transgressions within its ranks, prioritising a fragile unity that has served only to maintain the status quo.

The GNU was initially envisioned as a unifying and stabilising force in South Africa's political landscape, yet it increasingly risks becoming an albatross around Ramaphosa's neck. This coalition of interests has led to inefficiencies and infighting, leaving critical issues largely unaddressed, such as economic recovery and access to essential services. With unemployment rates soaring, particularly among the youth, the ANC's failure to pivot decisively from rhetoric to tangible action undermines any claim to legitimacy or capable governance.

Despite his pragmatic demeanour and an apparent commitment to reform, Ramaphosa has been slow to act decisively against elements within his party that threaten South Africa's long-term stability. His reluctance to confront internal dissenters has eroded his support within the ANC and diluted public trust. As society grapples with rampant poverty, violence, and a declining standard of living, the question looms: Is Ramaphosa simply a steward of a crumbling system, or is he a transformative leader in denial?

It becomes evident that the longer the GNU remains in its current form, the greater the risk it poses to the nation. Ramaphosa must rally what remains of his moral authority and seek genuine accountability within his administration. South Africans are increasingly disillusioned by a lack of real reform, demanding not just platitudes but actionable solutions.

As the GNU continues to navigate an uncertain future, its essential message could not be clearer: accountability must become the bedrock of any governing coalition. Ramaphosa's legacy will ultimately depend on his willingness to embrace this principle and meaningful reform rather than align with factions intent on preserving their power.

In the end, Ramaphosa's challenge is not merely to lead but to provide a vision of a new South Africa that transcends the ANC's historical failures. The public's patience is wearing thin, and the GNU risks suffocating the very ideals upon which it was founded if left unchecked.

The time for action is upon us; the question is whether Ramaphosa can rise to the occasion or if the GNU will shadow the legacy of a leader who once promised to unite a fractured nation. Only time will tell if Ramaphosa’s promises will translate into a sustainable path for South Africa- one free from the chains of its past.

Mayalo is an independent writer, analyst and commentator.