Ramaphosa Will Only Be Appreciated After He’s Gone” – Former Presidency DG Defends SA Leader
iReport South Africa | 28.05.2026 14:08
Cassius Lubisi, who served as the Director-General in the Presidency in the past, has made a robust defence of President, stating that South Africans are failing to fully comprehend the magnitude of the issues that he inherited during the administration of the previous President.
According to Lubisi, who held the position of Director-General in the Presidency from 2010 to 2020, Ramaphosa took over a “hollowed-out state” that had seen years of institutional decay, corruption, and lost investor trust. Lubisi added that Ramaphosa had restored investor confidence.
As a result of the tense connections that Zuma’s administration left behind between the government and the business sector, Ramaphosa was forced to spend years restoring confidence and stabilising key state institutions, as stated by Lubisi.
Lubisi says, “He inherited a hollowed-out state from Jacob Zuma and his Indian friends,” in statements that have prompted strong controversy both online and inside political circles. Lubisi’s comments have had a significant impact.
Lubisi praised Ramaphosa for gradually restoring stability to a number of (SOEs) that were experiencing difficulties. Many of these SOEs had been experiencing operational and financial issues for years due to what Lubisi argued was poor management.
He made reference to the progress that has been made at, stating that the power utility is “finally finding its feet,” while the goods and logistics major is “gradually stabilising.”
He also mentioned the continuing recovery efforts that are being made at and the (SABC), both of which have been struggling with governance and financial issues over the years.
Lubisi’s argument was that it is possible that Ramaphosa’s leadership may not be fully recognised until after he has left office.
According to what he stated, “people will only realise how good Ramaphosa was after he has left the scene.”
Lubisi admitted that Zuma’s government was not devoid of accomplishments, despite the fact that he had previously expressed his critiques of the Zuma period. The previous president was recognised by him with helping to overturn the unpopular HIV/AIDS policies that were connected with the government of the former president. He also thanked the former president for supporting the establishment of two colleges.
Ramaphosa’s supporters have praised his steady approach to governance, while detractors continue to question the speed of economic recovery, job creation, and anti-corruption measures. The words have revived the national discussion over Ramaphosa’s legacy, which has seen supporters praise his steady approach to government.
There is a high probability that Lubisi’s remarks will intensify conversations over the manner in which history will evaluate both Zuma and Ramaphosa as South Africa prepares to enter yet another crucial political season.