South Africa: Triumphant Ramaphosa vows to purge ANC of ‘deviant tendencies’

AP | South Africa’s president on Sunday vowed to purge his African National Congress (ANC) party of “bad and deviant tendencies” as he prepares to appoint a new Cabinet following a victory in national elections.

The 57 percent share of the vote was the worst-ever election showing for the ANC, which has ruled since the harsh apartheid system of racial discrimination ended 25 years ago. The party won 62 percent of the vote in 2014.

Low voter turnout of 65 percent in the May 8 election also reflected the frustration of many South Africans after corruption scandals around the ANC that led former president Jacob Zuma to resign last year under party pressure. Turnout was 74 percent in 2014.

Current President Cyril Ramaphosa in his first speech to supporters since the election win said he will not appoint leaders who work “to fill their own pockets.”

He told thousands of supporters in downtown Johannesburg that “we are going to end corruption whether they like it or not.” The revelations by a government commission investigating graft, often aired live on television for fascinated South Africans, “must be things of the past,” the president said.

Ramaphosa, however, is believed to be facing a revolt within the party by Zuma allies, one that could surface in the coming weeks as he decides on the makeup of his new government.