Ramaphosa Faces ANC Internal Pressure Over Power Crisis Amid Eskom Restructuring

Over the past several months, pressure inside the ANC has escalated as continuing load shedding, energy shortfalls, and frequent breakdowns at Eskom plants have driven public anger. Some senior ANC figures argue that Ramaphosa’s leadership is failing to deliver urgent relief.

At a recent NEC meeting, Ramaphosa announced a 10-point economic recovery plan, strongly focused on revamping Eskom’s operations, debt relief, procurement reform, and accelerating renewable energy deployment. Still, critics question whether it is bold enough.

Factional tensions within the party are becoming more visible. Some members accuse Ramaphosa of favoring technocrats and neglecting party structures; others warn that missteps could damage the ANC’s position in upcoming local and national elections.

Adding complexity is the history of corruption at Eskom. Numerous investigations and whistleblower accounts have exposed graft, mismanagement, and sabotage within the utility. Reforming it involves dismantling entrenched interests and restoring public confidence.

Ramaphosa’s strategy seeks to balance immediate reliability improvements with long-term structural reform. But for many within his party, commitment to execution and accountability will be the true test.

Opinion: Ramaphosa’s political survival hinges less on visionary plan announcements and more on demonstrable delivery. The ANC cannot afford more broken promises — this moment demands clarity, speed, and transparency. If he fails, the fractures within the party may become irreversible.