Ramaphosa calls on tripartite alliance to unite ahead of 2019

Ramaphosa was speaking at the 22nd commemoration of Joe Slovo's passing at the Avalon Cemetery in Soweto.

His call comes after the ruling party lost support in several metros following the Local Government Elections last year.

"Already, here in the three metros in Gauteng, we've had a taste of what the opposition is trying to do. Already, our people are tasting the bitter cup of being governed by the opposition and it is a very bitter cup. Now, we must bring back that sweetness that our people are accustomed to. We must go and defeat them in 2019," says Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa said the ANC will not surrender the Union Buildings without a fight.

"2017 is a critical year for us to be even more united than we have been in the past, because it is though this year we move towards electing leadership - a leadership that will prepare us to go for victory for 2019," says Ramaphosa.

The Deputy President joined several other leaders in paying their respects during a wreath laying ceremony.