Bejani Chauke Quashes Rumours of President Ramaphosa’s Resignation After G20 Summit
Johannesburg, Gauteng – Special envoy to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Dr Bejani Chauke, has firmly dismissed circulating rumours that the president plans to step down shortly after hosting the G20 Heads of State Summit in Johannesburg. In a detailed social media post, Chauke described the claims as baseless and aimed at undermining the preparations for this landmark event, the first G20 Summit on African soil.
He emphasised Ramaphosa’s unwavering commitment to his mandate, highlighting the president’s role in fostering national unity and driving anti-corruption efforts. As speculation swirls within political circles ahead of key ANC gatherings, Chauke’s statement seeks to reassure South Africans and global partners of stability in the administration. With the summit set for 18 to 19 November 2025, the focus remains on showcasing Africa’s agenda on sustainability and solidarity.
These rumours have sparked widespread debate, but official voices maintain that Ramaphosa is dedicated to completing his term. Political analysts suggest the whispers stem from internal ANC discussions about future leadership, yet no concrete evidence supports an early exit.
Chauke’s Strong Rebuttal to Baseless Claims
Dr Bejani Chauke, serving as special envoy to the president on strategic relations, labelled the rumours as disturbing and without foundation. “There is a disturbing and unfounded rumour that President Ramaphosa will be stepping down as RSA President shortly after the G20 Heads of State Summit in Johannesburg. This rumour is devoid of truth and aims to cast aspersions on the successful build-up of the first-ever G20 Summit on the African continent, with the sustainability and solidarity theme,” he stated.
He pointed out Ramaphosa’s solid international standing and the clear constitutional path allowing a president two terms. Ramaphosa finished his first term and won re-election through Parliament, reflecting the people’s will. Chauke stressed that any decision to shorten the term would only come from parties in Parliament, not speculation.
The envoy also slammed anonymous sources for spreading the narrative. “It is therefore irresponsible for faceless people to peddle a narrative that the President will act contrary to his mandate and the constitutional order provisions,” he added. This pushback aims to keep attention on the summit’s success rather than distractions.
Origins and Spread of the Resignation Rumours
Talk of Ramaphosa stepping aside has bubbled up from within ANC structures, where some leaders are eyeing the future. These whispers link to the party’s upcoming National General Council, planned for 8 to 12 December 2025 at the Nasrec Expo Centre. As a midterm review of the leadership elected in 2022, it often sparks early campaigns for successors ahead of the 2027 national conference.
Potential names like Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula have surfaced in these discussions. Some suggest Ramaphosa might leave before 2027 to avoid past commotions seen with former presidents like Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki. However, the Government of National Unity complicates this, as any change affects coalition partners beyond the ANC.
The timing of the rumours, just before the G20, has raised eyebrows. Some tie it to broader unease, including calls from groups like the Khoisan community in the Western Cape for Ramaphosa’s resignation over feelings of exclusion from the summit and concerns about natural resources. Yet, no solid proof backs an imminent exit, and insiders say Ramaphosa remains focused on delivery.
Ramaphosa’s Mandate and Focus on Renewal
Chauke underlined that Ramaphosa’s role goes beyond party lines, rooted in a mandate from parties representing over 60% of votes. “President Ramaphosa’s political mandate stretches beyond party political interests. It is a mandate from the people of South Africa, from parties that represent more than 60% of the votes,” he explained. Freely elected representatives chose him as state president, tying him directly to the 7th Parliament’s will.
Since taking office, Ramaphosa has led efforts to clean up government and fight corruption. He has backed independent courts and judicial inquiries to handle claims of wrongdoing, inspiring hope nationwide. “Since assuming office, the President’s steadfast mission has been to lead the fight for clean government and to reverse corruption and malfeasance, inspiring hope and resolve across the nation,” Chauke noted.
Through the GNU, Ramaphosa has guided the Cabinet towards renewing South Africa and improving accountability. This has sharpened focus on healing old divides and building a society based on dignity, social justice, and economic fairness.
“Through the GNU, South Africa has seen a heightened focus on the elusive task of healing the divisions of the past and establishing a society based on human dignity, social and economic justice,” Chauke added.
The president has also pushed national unity, bridging gaps and fostering solidarity. His dedication to this remains strong, even amid political noise.
Assurance to Global Partners and Ongoing Priorities
Chauke reassured international allies that Ramaphosa will stay engaged post-summit. “Let me assure my colleagues in Global governance that President Ramaphosa will be at the subsequent G20 engagements to give feedback on the obligations we would have made at NASREC in Johannesburg,” he said.
The administration stays stable, with all levels of government focused on delivery. “All hands of the National, Provincial, and Municipal executive authorities are on deck. We are focused on the tasks at hand, and our determination to deliver for the people of South Africa is unwavering,” Chauke affirmed.
Ramaphosa is hard at work preparing for the G20, aiming to weave African and Global South priorities into the talks. This shows his focus on global growth and teamwork.
Political Vacuum and Timing of the Statement
Questions have arisen about why Chauke felt the need to speak out now. Reports suggest a gap in political advice for the president since Vincent Magobandze resigned from that role. Magobandze moved to other duties, leaving a void that Chauke may have filled with this post.
With people eyeing the next big leader for positions like ministers, some see Ramaphosa as a short-term figure. “People at this point in time are looking for the next big horse to bet their hatches on so that they are appointed ministers and deputy ministers. And with S Rama being at the departure lounge, he may as well be a liability to some of those who are within the African National Congress because it does not guarantee them their future beyond 2027,” as discussed in political circles.
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