Heckling of Ramaphosa triggers backlash in South Africa's ANC

FILE PHOTO: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks during the 55th National Conference of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa December 16, 2022. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -Party allies, and even some rivals, of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday condemned opponents who disrupted his opening speech with chants and shouting at a conference of the ruling ANC on Friday.

Ramaphosa, who was speaking at a five-day gathering of the African National Congress (ANC) to elect candidates for 2024 national elections, is seeking a second term and is widely seen as the party's strongest candidate.