The rise of South Africa’s Black elite class, once enthusiastic backers of President Cyril Ramaphosa, has recently shown signs of disenchantment as high hopes for transformative leadership meet the hard realities of governance.

President Ramaphosa, who ascended to South Africa’s highest political office with wide support from various sectors in 2018, pledged to dismantle corruption and boost economic prospects for all citizens. He symbolized a break from the scandal-ridden presidency of his predecessor, Jacob Zuma.

Initially, the Black elite—beneficiaries of the post-apartheid push for inclusivity in business and society—rallied behind Ramaphosa. They saw in him an opportunity to further reform the economic landscape to be more inclusive while tackling significant issues such as unemployment and land reform.

However, as President Ramaphosa’s term progressed, challenges mounted. The euphoria that marked his ascent gave way to skepticism as promised reforms slowed and economic growth remained sluggish. Corruption scandals continued to surface, including allegations linking figures from within his African National Congress (ANC).

Members of the Black elite have begun voicing their dissatisfaction with the Ramaphosa administration. Their disaffection stems from unfulfilled expectations regarding accelerated economic empowerment and broad-based wealth redistribution.

The unmet promises of sweeping job creation and substantial change in wealth distribution are particularly sharp points of contention. With unemployment at an all-time high and inequality levels remaining stark, there is a growing feeling that Ramaphossa’s pragmatic approach may be insufficient for South Africa’s deep-rooted issues.

Moreover, energy crises have become a regular occurrence in South Africa during Ramaphosa’s tenure, undermining both citizen confidence and prospects for economic recovery. Load shedding—rolling blackouts implemented by the state-owned power utility Eskom—has frustrated businesses owners across the board, including those within the Black elite.

Disillusionment has not only been economically driven. Reports indicating factional battles within ANC ranks suggest that President Ramaphosa’s political influence is waning. These internal struggles complicate his ability to enact policies or carry out reforms unchallenged within his own party.

As South Africa approaches new elections, it remains to be seen how this growing discontent among its Black elites will affect their political choices and allegiance. The narrative has shifted from one of implicit faith in President Ramaphosa to a more critical assessment of his impact on both their economic status and the progress towards a more equitable society.

While it is far too early to predict what this might mean for the future political landscape in South Africa, what is clear is that support from this critical group is no longer guaranteed for President Ramaphosa or the ANC.