With the post-transition bliss from the Zuma era now fading, opinion appears to be divided on whether President Cyril Ramaphosa is a strong or weak leader.
The rollercoaster of public opinion appears to be based on anecdotal evidence – for example, Ramaphosa acted decisively on South African Revenue Services commissioner Tom Moyane but is dithering on action against abusive ANC MP Mduduzi Manana.
Ramaphosa’s approach to the crisis in North West is perceived in different ways. Some believe his early return from London when protests turned violent in Mahikeng showed he is a hands-on president. Others believe he should not be personally involved in fighting every fire in the ANC, and the fact that he has to shows he does not have strong surrogates to act on his behalf.
With regard to the position of the premier, Supra Mahumapelo, Ramaphosa appears to have hemmed him in with simultaneous interventions from government and the ANC, but was caught off guard by the fight-back campaign. Mahumapelo therefore remains in limbo while the various processes unfold.
