ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa said he is unfazed after former president Jacob Zuma declared he would not support the ruling party in the 2024 elections.

Zuma slammed Ramaphosa’s leadership and the ANC during an event on Saturday. The 81-year-old said campaigning for the party “would be a betrayal.”

Instead, Zuma pledged backing for the fledgling MK party named after the ANC’s old military wing. He helped register MK just this year.

Zuma’s public break comes with analysts warning the ANC faces a voter backlash in 2024. Years of corruption, unemployment, blackouts, and poor services have frustrated citizens.

But Ramaphosa, speaking Friday, downplayed the impact of losing Zuma’s backing.

“He has over time been making several announcements. We note that. There’s nothing I can do but to note,” Ramaphosa said mildly.

He added that while the ANC wants support from all members, the election work will proceed with or without Zuma’s direct involvement.

“If you cannot campaign, that’s it — the work must go on,” Ramaphosa stated.