This article reflects on the political and economic legacy of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as Parliament prepares for the first meeting of an impeachment committee.

Although the possibility of his removal is considered unlikely, the political moment has sparked broader debate about the durability of his reform programme and whether it will meaningfully shift South Africa’s long-term economic trajectory.

The author argues that the true measure of any political leader is not only their survival in office but whether they can redirect the course of a country.In Ramaphosa’s case, the focus is on whether his reforms will survive beyond his presidency and continue to support economic recovery and growth.

While it is too early to state definitively which reforms will endure, the article suggests that some have already become embedded within state institutions and may be difficult to reverse.A key example highlighted is Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility.

The article notes that recent leadership changes, including improvements in governance and management, have contributed to a significant reduction in load shedding, supported in part by increased private rooftop solar adoption.

This shift is described as a structural change rather than a temporary fix, suggesting a potential long-term stabilisation of electricity supply, although risks of future mismanagement remain.The commentary also stresses that political instability or future policy backsliding could still undermine these gains.

Nevertheless, the broader argument is that certain reforms have reached a level of institutionalisation that may allow them to persist beyond individual leadership changes.

Ultimately, the piece frames South Africa’s future as dependent on whether these reforms translate into sustained economic growth and improved governance outcomes.

The article leaves open the question of legacy, emphasising that the durability of Ramaphosa’s reforms will only be fully judged in hindsight, based on their impact on national prosperity.