- A video of President Cyril Ramaphosa scolding Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi over a protocol breach went viral
- Ramaphosa was heard telling Lesufi that Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza should not have spoken after the President
- The exchange sparked debate online, with South Africans divided over what it reveals about tensions within the ANC
Source: Facebook
SOUTH AFRICA - A video of President Cyril Ramaphosa seemingly reprimanding Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during an African National Congress (ANC) campaign has gne viral. The video has sparked debate on social media, with South Africans sharing their views on possible tensions within the ANC.
Awkward exchange during the ANC dioor-to-door campaign
The clip, recorded during a door-to-door campaign in Ekurhuleni, shows Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza speaking while Ramaphosa can be heard addressing Lesufi in the background.
“You don’t speak after the President, this is not protocol, you must tell him,” Ramaphosa says.
His remarks appear to refer to Xhakaza speaking after the president, with Ramaphosa instructing Lesufi to remind the mayor about the protocol.
The video has attracted attention online, with some social media users agreeing that protocol should be followed, while others questioned the president’s response.
View the video from an X post here:
Mzansi weighs in on the protocol row
South Africans had plenty to say about the viral exchange:
@mrkapleenn wrote:
"Man said 'akuna protocol la' [there is no protocol here]. Career done. You'll never hear of him ever again."
@JosephShadung1 said:
"Xhakaza was not giving a speech guys. He was just thanking people to listen to the president. Cyril is no longer there only the body."
@PC7nt6rpmjp asked:
"Do we still have a president? Even their mayor in Ekurhuleni knows that 😂"
@SongezoW91558 commented:
"He was taking chances that one. After the President no one must deliver the speech."
@LadyM1306 added:
"But it's true. The last speech is made by the president. Protocol must be observed.
Ramaphosa promises economic growth for Ekurhuleni
The exchange comes as the ANC intensifies its campaign ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.
During his address in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, Ramaphosa promised that an ANC-led metro would be developed into a major economic and logistics hub centred around OR Tambo International Airport.
He also pledged to build a university of science and technology if the party wins control of the metro.
However, Ekurhuleni has faced ongoing criticism over service delivery and political instability, with tensions within the ANC and its coalition arrangements adding to the pressure ahead of the elections.
The ANC recently expelled three Ekurhuleni councillors with immediate effect for allegedly supporting political organisations contesting elections against the party. A fourth councillor was instructed to step aside as the party tightened discipline ahead of the polls.
Ekurhuleni mayor battles serious criminal allegations
Previously, Briefly News reported that Ekurhuleni Mayor Dr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has denied reports linking him to high-profile deaths and alleged misconduct, calling them a smear campaign. He rejected claims that he was involved in DJ Bongani Mfihlo’s killing or misled police over the death of former auditor Mpho Mafole. Xhakaza said the attacks escalated after the city began acting on the Madlanga Commission’s findings and suspending senior officials.
Source: Briefly News
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