ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has criticized the current leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), claiming that it is no match for the influence of former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party). Speaking candidly, Mbalula compared the ANC’s leadership in KZN to a “Conquest” trying to compete with a “Ferrari,” stressing that more decisive action and stronger leadership are needed to regain control in the province.
Mbalula’s comments come after a dismal showing in the May 29 national and provincial elections, where ANC’s support in KZN dropped to just 17%, and the party in Gauteng fared slightly better with 45% support. The decline in support at both provincial and national levels contributed to the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), signaling the ANC’s weakened position.
The ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC) met with KZN’s provincial leadership in Boksburg, where Mbalula placed a media gag on both the KZN and Gauteng leaders, restricting them from speaking publicly on the matter. He made it clear that he was the only spokesperson authorized to address the media, warning that any further comments outside of his statements would be met with disciplinary action.
Mbalula emphasized the need for “tough decisions” in both KZN and Gauteng, citing instability within the leadership structures as a major factor contributing to the ANC’s poor performance in the elections. Despite the setbacks, he remained confident that the ANC would recover, stating, “We will rebuild it and we will come. We are not going to surrender the ANC to anyone.”
The remarks also followed a statement from Bheki Mtolo, KZN’s secretary, who suggested that both Mbalula and President Cyril Ramaphosa should be held accountable for the ANC’s failure in the elections. Mbalula, however, dismissed Mtolo’s comments as meaningless, underlining his belief that the leadership would recover and restore strength to the ANC in KZN.
As Mbalula continues to navigate these internal challenges, the future of the ANC in KZN and Gauteng remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions about potential leadership changes and the party’s strategy moving forward.
