The controversy surrounding ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula’s use of a luxurious yacht to travel to Robben Island has sparked a whirlwind of debate within the party. National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe weighed in, suggesting that while the matter has become a media spectacle, it should not be attributed to the ANC’s official stance. According to reports, the ANC initially justified Mbalula’s yacht trip by claiming that his tight schedule around Cape Town, during the January 8 celebrations, necessitated a quicker, more efficient mode of transport. This explanation, however, has done little to quell the growing criticism of the extravagant arrival.
Mbalula’s dramatic entrance on the private yacht took place just days before the ANC’s 113th anniversary celebrations in Khayelitsha. The move quickly became the subject of public outcry, as it appeared out of sync with the solemn nature of the event, which aimed to commemorate those who had suffered under apartheid. While other ANC leaders made their way to the island aboard the official ferry, Sikhululekile, and President Cyril Ramaphosa was flown by helicopter for security reasons, Mbalula’s yacht ride raised eyebrows.
In a candid interview with Newzroom Afrika, Mantashe attempted to downplay the incident, referring to it as a “sideshow” that distracted from the true focus of the visit. He insisted that the decision to use the yacht was not made by the ANC as a whole, but rather by an individual official. “If one of the officials takes a yacht with a businessman to that place, it cannot be the ANC decision,” Mantashe explained. He further emphasized that the ANC had planned a delegation to Robben Island to engage with its historical significance, and Mbalula’s mode of transport should not overshadow the party’s official agenda.
Mantashe’s comments underscored his frustration with how the yacht controversy had dominated the narrative. He confirmed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) would discuss the issue at their next meeting to understand what had transpired. While acknowledging the perception problem it had caused, Mantashe stressed the importance of sensitivity to public opinion, urging the party to handle such matters with more discretion in the future.
The matter of Mbalula’s yacht trip has raised broader concerns about the ANC’s internal decision-making processes. Donald Selamolela, a member of the ANC’s NEC, defended Mbalula, stating that he was not responsible for the logistical arrangements related to his travel. According to Selamolela, the decision to use a yacht was made because Mbalula had a packed schedule that required swift transportation to Robben Island. The ANC official clarified that the cost of the yacht, although expensive, was justified by the need to maintain the party’s program and avoid delays.
Despite this defense, the involvement of Fernando Acafrao, a businessman with ties to government contracts, has added a layer of complexity to the situation. Acafrao’s yacht reportedly belongs to him, and his company, Mobile Satellite Technologies, has faced scrutiny in the past for failing to fulfill government contracts, including a controversial deal with the KwaZulu-Natal health department in 2015. While the ANC has not disclosed how much they paid for the yacht, the connection to a businessman with a history of dealing with government entities only amplifies the optics of Mbalula’s travel choice.
As the ANC navigates the fallout from this controversy, it faces growing pressure to restore its credibility and address the public’s concerns about the party’s handling of resources and internal affairs. The incident has stirred debate about the priorities of South Africa’s ruling party, particularly at a time when questions of financial propriety and governance are high on the national agenda.
