Cyril Ramaphosa Tackles Economic Grievances and BRICS Agenda During ANC Campaign in Thembisa

THEMBISA, Gauteng — During a door-to-door ANC campaign in Thembisa, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged directly with residents to address pressing economic grievances, outlining his administration’s strategies to combat high electricity tariffs and youth unemployment.

Accompanied by the convenor of the provincial task team and the regional chairperson, the ANC President returned to the Ekurhuleni township—located east of Johannesburg—after a previous canvassing effort was disrupted by heavy rain. Describing the streets and the relaxed atmosphere of residents’ homes as his “real office,” Ramaphosa noted that the direct engagement allowed him to hear both the joys and the daily challenges of the community.

Cost of Living and Economic Reforms
The primary concerns voiced by Thembisa residents centered on the high cost of electricity and a severe lack of job opportunities, particularly for the youth. Ramaphosa acknowledged the burden of utility tariffs, noting that while the government’s indigent policy provides some relief to vulnerable households, the broader administrative goal is to restructure the national electricity sector to drive down overall prices.

Addressing recent statistics showing a 0.2% national economic contraction, the President attributed the minimal downturn to global pressures, specifically citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. To reverse the contraction and stimulate demand, Ramaphosa highlighted ongoing structural reforms aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign investment, fostering technological development, and ensuring economic stability.

Dismissing the “Slow Death” of the ANC
When questioned about the ruling party’s electoral prospects in Ekurhuleni amid rising competition from rival factions like the MK party, the EFF, and ActionSA, Ramaphosa firmly dismissed claims that the ANC is “dying a slow death.”

He welcomed the stiff political competition, arguing that it forces the ANC to perform at its best. Describing the party as a “behemoth” with deep, wall-to-wall national structures, he characterized the wishes of the ANC’s demise as a mere “pipe dream.” He added that the party’s membership remains strong and that even doubtful young voters are demonstrating enthusiasm to support the ANC at the polls.

Legal Hurdles and Internal Party Affairs
The media engagement also touched upon internal and legal challenges facing the party. Ramaphosa declined to speculate on the outcome of recent court papers filed by Lutuli House regarding an Electoral Court application—which the UDM has since joined—concerning 2,000 omitted candidates. Deferring entirely to the judiciary, he stated he would not second-guess the courts or act as a “pseudo chief justice.”

Similarly, he refused to disclose details of a Monday officials’ meeting regarding a Secretary General’s report and a province missing a late-afternoon submission deadline. Ramaphosa insisted that internal boardroom discussions remain strictly confidential, though he assured the public that the party is resolving the administrative “hiccup,” which affects roughly 3% of their submitted candidate names.

Youth Education and Condemning Vote-Buying
On a social front, Ramaphosa recounted an interaction where he gave a “tongue-lashing” to young men for skipping school, framing the reprimand as strong encouragement to pursue education. He championed education as a critical national project, pointing to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and no-fee schools as safety nets. He emphasized that every youth—even those who fall pregnant or temporarily lose their way—has the opportunity to return and complete their matric.

He also took a hardline stance against rumors of vote-buying within ANC conferences. Labeling the practice unacceptable, Ramaphosa vowed that it will be rooted out as part of the party’s broader renewal process, insisting that delegates must vote based on the best interests of the people rather than financial incentives.

Global Stage: The BRICS Summit
Looking beyond domestic borders, the President confirmed his upcoming travel to India for the BRICS summit. Building on the expansion of the bloc following the 2023 Johannesburg Declaration, Ramaphosa noted that the summit will review complex geopolitical conflicts, including the situations in the Middle East and the African continent.

With both Iran and Russia in attendance, he expressed confidence that the growing alliance will address vital economic matters, such as the proposed BRICS currency and alternative trade mechanisms. Ramaphosa concluded by confirming that South Africa is actively preparing to host the next major BRICS summit, reinforcing the country’s role as a key player in the evolving global order.