President Cyril Ramaphosa: A High-Stakes Gamble to Secure South Africa’s Future

In the tumultuous world of South African politics, where legacies are forged in the fire of complex social, economic, and political challenges, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s strategic decisions over the past few weeks underscore his high-stakes gamble to both rescue his party, the African National Congress (ANC), and cement his place in the country’s political history.

With the appointment of a high-powered 19-member team of economic advisers for the G20 presidency, Ramaphosa has set his sights on ensuring that South Africa takes a seat at the global table of economic decision-making. His economic panel—comprising renowned business leaders, academics, and policy experts—brings a fresh perspective to the country’s long-standing issues such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality. Drawing heavily from global thought leadership, these advisers focus on employment-linked growth strategies, suggesting that Ramaphosa’s approach is far more proactive than simply playing defense against internal political pressures.

At home, Ramaphosa’s leadership is increasingly shaped by his efforts to overhaul the ANC, facing down corruption and mismanagement within his party. The recent dismissal of Thembi Nkadimeng-Simelane, the justice minister implicated in corruption, and her replacement with Mmamoloko Tryphosa Kubayi—seen as a cleaner alternative—illustrates Ramaphosa’s commitment to purging his cabinet of officials who tarnish the reputation of his administration. However, Nkadimeng-Simelane’s reappointment to the human settlements portfolio raises questions about how deep the cleansing truly goes.

These political moves, in combination with a broader reshuffling of ministers in various departments, signal that Ramaphosa is trying to recalibrate his government ahead of what promises to be a difficult election season. By handing over key ministries to opposition parties in a coalition government, he is, at once, shifting blame for potential failures and cultivating an image of a leader who is unafraid to delegate responsibility for South Africa’s most pressing issues.

The Government of National Unity: A Work in Progress

The Government of National Unity (GNU) that Ramaphosa has worked to construct is a balancing act of ideological compromises and strategic appointments. While the partnership with opposition parties could seem contradictory in a country known for its deep political divides, it’s crucial to understand the context in which this coalition was formed. The ANC’s internal strife, exacerbated by the legacy of former president Jacob Zuma and the ongoing issues surrounding the Phala Phala scandal, necessitated a broad political agreement to ensure national stability.

For Ramaphosa, this alliance offers both opportunities and risks. On the one hand, it provides him with the chance to tap into the expertise and fresh perspectives of opposition politicians, some of whom have been handed control of key ministries. For example, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has taken over ministries like Basic Education, Home Affairs, and Agriculture, which will test the party’s ability to implement policies on a national scale. These appointments give opposition parties the chance to prove their worth while insulating Ramaphosa from any fallout should these sectors falter.

However, there’s a clear danger: should the GNU fail, the blame will likely be directed at these opposition-controlled ministries, allowing Ramaphosa to escape responsibility while still positioning himself as a leader capable of delegating when necessary. It’s a classic case of a leader who knows how to navigate political corners—taking the credit when things go well but shifting the blame when they don’t.

A President with an Eye on the Future

Ramaphosa’s vision for South Africa seems centered around an economic agenda that prioritizes growth, job creation, and socio-economic reform. Yet, it is also rooted in pragmatism, realizing that the country’s challenges are too large and multifaceted for any one party or ideology to address alone. The success of this Government of National Unity, and by extension Ramaphosa’s presidency, will be judged on its ability to deliver results in critical areas such as unemployment, corruption, gender-based violence, and the fight against poverty.

A key part of Ramaphosa’s strategy has been his ability to navigate these challenges while appearing to maintain a sense of unity. Whether it’s handling the opposition or cleansing his own party, Ramaphosa is crafting a legacy that could either mark a new dawn for South Africa or serve as a cautionary tale about the limits of coalition governance.

Five years from now, if the coalition proves successful, Ramaphosa could rightfully claim a major political victory—not only for himself but for the nation. He could point to the fruitful collaborations that emerged from the GNU, such as agreements signed with China to fight foot-and-mouth disease, a testament to the kind of diplomatic and economic breakthroughs that could stabilize South Africa’s position on the world stage.

However, the reverse is equally true. If the GNU collapses under the weight of internal strife, coalition infighting, or an inability to deliver on its promises, Ramaphosa will likely face the music. A fractured coalition could easily shift the blame to opposition parties, but the responsibility for the larger vision of South Africa’s future will remain his.

The Leadership Ramaphosa Wants to Be Remembered For

The question of whether Cyril Ramaphosa is truly the leader South Africa deserves remains contentious. His leadership style—characterized by pragmatism, cautious reform, and a long-term vision—may be exactly what South Africa needs in such a volatile political environment. His careful management of the ANC’s internal issues, paired with the boldness of creating a Government of National Unity, could either herald a new era of political stability or expose the fragility of South Africa’s post-apartheid democracy.

What is undeniable, however, is that Ramaphosa’s legacy will ultimately be shaped by his ability to balance the demands of domestic and international politics, lead a fractious coalition, and deliver tangible improvements in the lives of South Africa’s citizens. Whether or not he will emerge as the transformative figure the country hopes for remains to be seen, but his gamble to reshape the ANC, restore governance, and drive economic reform is certainly a gamble worth watching.