Watch President Cyril Ramaphosa celebrated his 70th Birthday video union

President Cyril Ramaphosa celebrated his 70th Birthday in a luxurious way as the team of air force one had to sing the birthday song for him while traveling. Image: Twitter/CyrilRamaphosa

Recalling Ramaphosa could be the last thing the ANC NEC does before disbanding

Ramaphosa’s allies reportedly convinced him to delay his resignation on Thursday. His detractors will surely use the report’s findings to call for him to step aside.

Watch President Cyril Ramaphosa celebrated his 70th Birthday video union

President Cyril Ramaphosa celebrated his 70th Birthday in a luxurious way as the team of air force one had to sing the birthday song for him while traveling. Image: Twitter/CyrilRamaphosa

The African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) is expected to meet for emergency talks in Nasrec, Johannesburg, on Friday, 2 December. The meeting comes after the Section 89 Independent Panel found that President Ramaphosa may have violated his oath of office and that prima facie evidence suggests a more thorough criminal investigation into the Phala Phala robbery is needed.

LIVE: Will he, won’t he? Ramaphosa could decide his fate today

ANC NEC SET FOR CRUNCH RAMAPHOSA TALKS

The 86-member NEC is the ANC’s highest decision-making body. It consists of the so-called Top Six – the President, deputy president, chairperson, secretary-general, deputy secretary-general, and treasurer-general – and 80 other members.

The ANC’s National Conference is just two weeks away, and the NEC will be disbanded in order to select a new one for the next five years.

According to reports, Ramaphosa was on the verge of resigning on Thursday, but his allies convinced him to delay the decision. His detractors will surely use the report’s findings to call for him to step aside.

READ: Will Ramaphosa resign? Here is what he has told his inner circle

The ANC’s step-aside rule requires party members to vacate their roles in government and the party once they have been criminally charged.

Opposition parties have been calling for the President’s head since the news broke. On Twitter, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said, “if he refuses to resign, #ComradesInCorruption leaders must put him on suspension until the impeachment process has been completed. This thing is deep.”

READ: Another Ramaphosa detractor in the ANC calls for his resignation

ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe said any speculation on the NEC’s decision is premature and that the announcement will be made once deliberations are concluded.

“We are going to have a press conference to clarify, we know that there are matters that are out there in public, and we know that all of you want to ask about this. Our humble request is to allow the NEC to process these issues,” said Mabe to EWN.

According to News24, a top aide said Ramaphosa is unlikely to address the nation on Friday. He was expected to do so on Thursday night and announce his resignation.

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