Ramaphosa’s viral moment as Ekurhuleni Mayor Xhakaza speaks gets Mzansi talking

A video of President Cyril Ramaphosa seemingly reprimanding Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during an African National Congress (ANC) door-to-door campaign in Ekurhuleni has gone viral, sparking widespread discussion on social media.

The clip shows Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza speaking to the public while President Ramaphosa can be heard in the background. The President appears to be instructing Premier Lesufi that the Mayor should not have spoken after him, citing protocol.

Man said ‘akuna protocol la’ [there is no protocol here]. Career done. You’ll never hear of him ever again.

Xhakaza was not giving a speech guys. He was just thanking people to listen to the president. Cyril is no longer there only the body.

Do we still have a president? Even their mayor in Ekurhuleni knows that.

He was taking chances that one. After the President no one must deliver the speech.

But it’s true. The last speech is made by the president. Protocol must be observed.

The exchange occurred as the ANC intensifies its campaign ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. Previously, Briefly News reported that Ekurhuleni Mayor Dr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has denied reports linking him to high-profile deaths.