Stephanus Pombili
In the annals of political history, the downfall of Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) will forever be etched as a tragic tale of lost opportunities and shattered promises. Once the beacon of hope in post-apartheid South Africa, the party succumbed to the corrosive effects of corruption, arrogance, and incompetence.
Ramaphosa, a charismatic leader who initially inspired confidence, soon found himself ensnared in a web of scandals that unraveled his credibility. The Marikana massacre of 2012, in which police brutally killed 34 striking miners, cast a long shadow over his presidency. Ramaphosa’s handling of the scandal, which included a cover-up attempt, alienated many voters.
As the years passed, the ANC’s leadership grew increasingly out of touch with the electorate. They became embroiled in lavish spending, enriching themselves at the expense of the nation. The party’s arrogance led them to ignore the growing tide of discontent among ordinary South Africans who struggled with poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
Incompetent management further exacerbated the ANC’s woes. The economy floundered, with high unemployment and low growth becoming chronic problems. The government’s inability to deliver basic services, such as healthcare and education, alienated vast segments of the population.
The ANC’s downfall was not sudden. It was a slow, gradual decline that mirrored the erosion of trust in the party and its leadership. The electorate had become weary of empty promises and unfulfilled expectations. They longed for a government that would truly represent their interests and fight for their well-being.
In the 2024 general elections, the ANC suffered a humiliating defeat. The Democratic Alliance (DA), once considered a fringe party, emerged as the largest opposition party. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by the charismatic Julius Malema, also made significant gains.
Ramaphosa, his once-promising presidency in ruins, resigned in disgrace. The ANC, once the dominant force in South African politics, was relegated to a minor role.
The downfall of the ANC was a sobering reminder of the fragility of power. It showed that even the most trusted and admired leaders can succumb to corruption, arrogance, and incompetence. The electorate, once loyal to the ANC, had finally spoken. They had lost faith in a government that had betrayed their trust.
As a new era dawned in South Africa, the lessons learned from the ANC’s downfall served as a cautionary tale. The country was left with the task of rebuilding trust in government and finding a path towards a more just and equitable society. The legacy of Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC would forever be a reminder of the consequences of ignoring the will of the people.
Stephanus Pombili is a Namibian youth, scholar, author, political analyst, entrepreneur, and dreamer of the Africa we want.
