ANC closes ranks around Ramaphosa while opposition tests no-confidence route
ANC leaders say Ramaphosa's mandate remains intact, but ATM, MK Party and other opposition voices are pushing Parliament toward a direct confidence test.
Party unity meets parliamentary arithmetic
The ANC National Executive Committee has moved to protect President Cyril Ramaphosa after the latest Phala Phala ruling, insisting his mandate remains intact and that resignation is not on the table.
That has not slowed the opposition. The ATM and MK Party have pushed no-confidence options, while the EFF and MK Party used Ramaphosa's National Assembly appearance to stage a walkout.
The GNU risk
The Democratic Alliance has said it will not shield Ramaphosa if evidence of wrongdoing emerges, but it is also wary of collapsing the GNU before the parliamentary process produces findings. That leaves the coalition balancing accountability against instability.
Bottom line
Ramaphosa may have survived the first political shock, but the no-confidence route remains a live weapon because it needs a lower threshold than impeachment.
Sources: News24 and EWN reporting published from 9 to 15 May 2026.
Senior political correspondent covering Parliament and the Presidency. 12 years in investigative journalism.