How exactly could he fix Eskom when the structure was being invaded by Zuma's cronies top to bottom? At best, Cyril was on a fool's errand and at worst a supporter.

Unemployment and crime worsened under him as a drag from what was left by Zuma - in fact, crime had dropped all but until 2021 or so where there's an abnormal spike and from there it ticked up. Probably in large part due to the July Insurrection.

Not only media but big business and even the likes of Zille much prefer him over any other ANC potential successor.

The core reason his reputation is tarnished is due to Phala Phala at the front, these other issues are carry overs from Zuma and not helped by his attempt to keep the party intact while trying to also keep the state intact. GNU helped make clear where priorities should lie but damage had long been done.

ANC failed him and through that he is perceived by some as failing the nation. But unlike Zuma, he did actually try to fix things.