Ramaphosa’s inaction vs ministers who get things done

It has been another eventful week in South Africa – one that neatly encapsulates the paradox of our current political climate: moments of genuine progress drowned out by the familiar din of poor leadership.

President Cyril Ramaphosa once again failed to act decisively when the situation demanded it. The head of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, overstepped his mandate and waded into sensitive foreign policy territory during a visit to Iran, making statements that risk damaging South Africa’s already strained relationship with the United States. These were no mere slips of the tongue; they were political pronouncements far beyond his remit, and in direct conflict with official diplomatic efforts to limit the fallout from US-imposed tariffs.

Read: South Africa plays down comments by its general visiting Iran
Listen: Defence ministry rebukes SANDF chief’s Iran comments

Any leader serious about protecting the national interest would have removed him immediately. Instead, as usual, Ramaphosa did nothing. This unwillingness to confront misconduct in his inner circle has become his political trademark. His presidency is defined by caution, delay, and preserving political relationships at the expense of South Africa’s reputation abroad. It is another display of political timidity at a time when firmness is sorely needed.

This paralysis does not happen in a vacuum.

Much of it emanates from the endless factional infighting within the ANC, where decisive action is often avoided for fear of upsetting the delicate balance between warring camps. The result is a president trapped by his own party, even when the stakes for the nation are high. It makes him look like a wimp.

To make matters worse, there are growing signs that the ANC is attempting to hijack the so-called National Dialogue, turning what could have been a broad, non-partisan process into a political stage. The risk is that an initiative meant to unite the country around shared solutions will be reduced to yet another ANC-branded platform, producing the predictable conclusion that the ruling party is still the only custodian of South Africa’s future.

Read/ listen: Why key voices are stepping back from National Dialogue

If that happens, the “dialogue” will be another missed opportunity.

Yet, amidst the familiar frustrations, there were signs that competence, when it exists, can make a difference. Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber announced a partnership with major banks to allow South Africans to apply for passports and ID cards directly through their banking apps. This practical, forward-looking reform could dramatically cut queues and improve access to essential services.

Read: Big banks back Schreiber’s smart ID and passport service drive

Similarly, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa unveiled plans for the most significant restructuring of local government since 1996. (The dysfunctional state of most local government structures is possibly the most prominent ANC legacy.)

Hlabisa’s proposal to scrap dysfunctional municipalities, overhaul the funding model, and tighten infrastructure spending rules is ambitious and overdue. If implemented effectively, it could address chronic service delivery failures that have eroded public trust in local government.

These two examples prove the point: South Africans see tangible improvements where there is competence.

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