The image of Cyril Ramaphosa at the ANC anniversary rally in Mbombela in 2024 has sparked heated discussions about his popularity and potential impact on the upcoming national elections. While the ruling party is banking on President Ramaphosa’s popularity to achieve a victory, internal polls reveal that Ramaphosa remains more popular than the party itself. This distinction underlines the importance of the figure of the president in the current political landscape.
ANC elections chief Mdumiseni Ntuli said Ramaphosa remains a major asset to the party, despite the decline in popularity he may have suffered in recent times. Internal polls indicate that Ramaphosa’s presence is having a significant impact on the electorate, even attracting segments of the population traditionally distant from the ANC.
However, this information should not mask the challenges facing the party, particularly with regard to political competition and citizens’ expectations. As the ANC prepares to unveil its manifesto at its campaign launch in KwaZulu-Natal, it will face the fallout from former president Jacob Zuma’s continued presence in the region.
Ramaphosa’s popularity will be tested at this key event, and his ability to mobilize and convince voters will be decisive for the party’s future. Past and present polls show that Ramaphosa remains a major political player, but he will need to continue to strengthen his position and meet people’s expectations.
In conclusion, the image of Cyril Ramaphosa in Mbombela in 2024 illustrates the complexity of the South African political landscape and highlights the importance of the popularity and credibility of political leaders. Ramaphosa represents both an asset and a challenge to the ANC, and his role in the upcoming national elections will be crucial to the party’s future.