Ramaphosa will stand for second term as ANC leader

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will seek a second term as leader of the governing African National Congress, his spokesman said.

Ramaphosa received an “unequivocal message” from branches of the party to make himself available to be reelected as ANC president, Vincent Magwenya said by text message on Saturday.

“The president understands that message to mean he must continue with both the state and economic reforms which are beginning to bear fruit,” he said.

“In that regard, the president has with humility and with great care and commitment accepted that call to continue being of service to his organization, the ANC, and to the people of South Africa.”

The ANC is scheduled to begin its five-yearly elective conference on Dec. 16.