Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC), sparked controversy recently when he arrived at a party event on Robben Island aboard a luxurious yacht. The extravagant entrance occurred on Wednesday ahead of the ANC’s 113th anniversary celebrations in Khayelitsha, which took place on Saturday. The event on Robben Island, meant to honor the history and suffering of political prisoners during apartheid, seemed an incongruous backdrop for Mbalula’s opulent arrival. His mode of transport stood in stark contrast to the solemn commemoration, with other ANC leaders traveling via the Robben Island Museum ferry, Sikhululekile, while President Cyril Ramaphosa was flown in by helicopter for security reasons.
The sight of Mbalula stepping off a private yacht stunned fellow ANC leaders and observers alike, raising questions about the appropriateness of such a display during a tribute to those who had endured years of imprisonment under apartheid. Critics noted the juxtaposition of a luxurious yacht against the humble ferry used by other leaders, which only amplified the perception of disparity between the ruling party’s leadership and its base. Despite the concerns, ANC officials quickly attempted to deflect responsibility for the choice of transport.
Donald Selamolela, a member of the ANC’s national executive committee, sought to clarify the situation during an interview with Newzroom Afrika. According to Selamolela, the decision regarding Mbalula’s transportation was not made by the Secretary General himself but was instead part of the broader ANC logistics for the event. He explained that the party had opted for the yacht to ensure Mbalula could meet other engagements that day, avoiding the delays associated with the ferry service. Selamolela emphasized that Mbalula had no direct involvement in arranging his mode of transport, framing it as a logistical necessity to accommodate his packed schedule.
While Selamolela admitted that the yacht was an expensive option, he defended the decision by underscoring the importance of ensuring the success of the ANC’s broader programme of connecting with the people. “It is true that it is expensive to use that type of ferry that he used, but I must clarify that the respect that we have for our people, the commitment in terms of ensuring that our programme of reconnecting with our people was fulfilled,” Selamolela stated. He further dismissed any attempts to personally blame Mbalula, shifting the focus to the party as a whole.
Despite these explanations, the luxury yacht’s involvement raised further questions about the relationship between the ANC and the business community, particularly given the yacht’s ownership. The vessel is reportedly owned by Fernando Acafrao, a businessman who has secured multimillion-rand government contracts. Acafrao’s company, Mobile Satellite Technologies, has previously been under scrutiny for its failure to deliver on contracts, including a 2015 deal to provide mobile health units to KwaZulu-Natal’s health department, which resulted in significant financial losses for the province.
The controversy surrounding Mbalula’s yacht arrival has added fuel to ongoing debates about the ANC’s internal contradictions and its relationship with business interests. While party officials have attempted to distance Mbalula from the decision, the optics of the situation remain problematic. In a time of growing public frustration over inequality and mismanagement, this incident underscores the difficult balance the ANC must navigate between its revolutionary past and the demands of governance in a complex, modern South Africa.
