Cyril Ramaphosa has been the president of the Republic of South Africa since 2018, but his tenure as the head of state has been tumultuous, particularly during the ongoing Eskom crisis.

This reminds me that he used to be the franchise owner of McDonald's South Africa, all we all know how that went, The Ice cream machines were always out of order, much like the power stations at Eskom, also under his watch. 

Despite calls for his resignation and criticism for both his response to the energy crisis and the government’s handling of Eskom, Ramaphosa remains in power. In this article, I will explore why this is potentially the case.

Firstly, it is important to understand the role that Eskom plays in South Africa’s economy. As the country’s primary electricity generator, Eskom is responsible for powering most of the nation’s homes and businesses. Any failures or disruptions in supply can have significant repercussions for the entire country, including economic instability, job losses, and public frustration. As such, the Eskom crisis is a matter of national importance and requires steady, decisive leadership to navigate.

Ramaphosa’s supporters point to his efforts to address the Eskom crisis as evidence of his leadership during these challenging times. In 2018, shortly after taking office, Ramaphosa appointed a new board of directors for Eskom and initiated a comprehensive review of the power utility’s operations. He has also secured new investment for Eskom, including a $3.75 billion loan from the China Development Bank, to help fund the company’s restructuring and stabilization.

Additionally, Ramaphosa has made significant strides in addressing corruption, which is widely seen as a root cause of the Eskom crisis. Since taking office, he has established a judicial commission of inquiry into state capture, the systematic looting of state resources by politicians and their private sector allies. The revelations emerging from the inquiry have led to the prosecution of several high-profile figures, including former president Jacob Zuma, and have helped to instill public confidence in the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency.

However, critics argue that Ramaphosa’s response to the Eskom crisis has been inadequate and that more decisive action is needed. They point to the ongoing load shedding, or controlled blackouts, that have plagued the country for months as evidence of the government’s failure to properly address the crisis. They also note that Eskom remains heavily indebted and that the company’s long-term viability is still uncertain.

Despite these criticisms, it is unlikely that Ramaphosa will be replaced as president in the near future. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) party has a significant majority in parliament, and there is no clear consensus among opposition parties or civil society organizations about who could effectively lead the country out of the current crisis.

Furthermore, Ramaphosa’s own popularity remains relatively high, particularly among business leaders and international investors who appreciate his efforts to promote economic growth and attract foreign investment. As such, it is likely that he will continue to navigate the Eskom crisis and other challenges facing the country from his position as president.

In conclusion, Cyril Ramaphosa remains president during the Eskom crisis due to a combination of political realities, his track record as a leader, and the absence of a credible alternative. While there may be valid criticism of his response to the crisis, it is clear that the situation requires steady, decisive leadership, and it is up to the government as a whole, not just the president, to address these challenges. As always, time will tell whether Ramaphosa’s tenure as president will be remembered as a success or a failure.

South Africans must  learn to be more consistent and proactive in their calls for accountability. Stop being keyboard warriors criticizing Eskom Management and the Government of Cyril Ramaphosa.  We as a Nation call learn alot from Hong Kong and Brazil when it comes to holding those in power accountable.

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Jerome Izaaks is the Chief Political Commentator of Activists Beyond Borders ( ABC International)