Next Africa

An African Leader Ramps Up Graft Fight Before Key Vote

Cyril Ramaphosa sends a veiled message to party colleagues before municipal elections.

Students protest outside City Hall where South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his state-of-the-nation address in Cape Town on Feb. 12.Photographer: Dwayne Senior/Bloomberg

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By Alexander Parker

February 13, 2026 at 12:29 PM UTC

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa used the opening of parliament on Thursday to deliver a message as much for his colleagues in the African National Congress as for the country’s citizens.