A small group of young protesters gathered outside Luthuli House, the ANC’s headquarters in Johannesburg, on Monday, as a youth call for Ramaphosa to resign gained visibility.
They chanted, “Ramaphosa must fall” and held placards that read “Old people must go”.
They want President Cyril Ramaphosa and other elderly politicians, including those named at the Madlanga Commission, to step aside for younger leaders.
Protest at ANC Headquarters
Protesters stood outside the ANC, singing and saying they are tired of older leaders clinging to power while ordinary people struggle.
Gauteng resident and UNISA student Khensani Thwala said older politicians should go to rest and stay with their grandchildren. This would allow young people to lead. She insisted the action is not about backing any party but about forcing change. In a country where youth unemployment remains high, it is important. For her, the youth call for Ramaphosa to resign is part of a bigger demand for generational change in politics.
Anger Over Corruption and the Justice System
Protesters linked their message to anger over corruption and the slow pace of accountability. They pointed to the Madlanga Commission as proof that the justice system has failed the public. This commission is probing alleged collusion between politicians, senior police, and organised crime.
Thwala said people named at the commission should face arrest, not wait out yet another inquiry. She also complained about the weak rand and rising living costs. She said the same leaders have failed to fix the crisis.
Linked to GBV and G20 Shutdown
The demonstration also echoed frustration over gender-based violence. Activist Shirley Nhlapho from the Sisterhood Foundation said they are tired of ministers implicated in wrongdoing who never see the inside of a courtroom. Meanwhile, women continue to live with fear and abuse.
Organisers tied Monday’s protest to the upcoming G20 Women’s Shutdown on 21 November. This event calls for a nationwide day of no work and no spending. It demands that government declare gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster.
No ANC officials addressed the crowd, although some party members watched from outside the building as the chants continued.
