The African National Congress (ANC) will address the controversy surrounding Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula’s use of a luxury yacht for a visit to Robben Island, according to party chairman Gwede Mantashe. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on January 13, Mantashe made it clear that the decision to use the yacht was not sanctioned by the ANC leadership.
Mantashe emphasized that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had made no such decision regarding the mode of transportation for members traveling to Robben Island. Instead, it was agreed that all delegates would travel together by ferry. The visit was intended to honor the legacy of those who suffered under apartheid, and Mantashe described the use of the yacht as a “sideshow” that detracted from the significance of the occasion.
“There was no ANC meeting that took that decision. I attended the NEC meeting, and no such decision was made about a yacht or any other form of transportation,” Mantashe said. “The NEC will deal with this matter at our next meeting to understand what transpired.”
Mbalula’s choice to arrive in the luxury yacht reportedly caught both ANC leaders and external observers by surprise. The visit to Robben Island, which holds deep historical significance as the site of imprisonment for many ANC leaders during apartheid, was meant to be a moment of reflection. The incident raised questions about the message being sent during such a solemn occasion.
In response to the controversy, Mbalula addressed the matter on social media, suggesting that those curious about his decision should ask him directly. “He (Mantashe) is correct, since you are so interested in the story, why don’t you ask me?” Mbalula wrote.
Meanwhile, Mantashe took the opportunity to reaffirm the ANC’s commitment to its renewal agenda, which he said remains focused on strengthening the party’s grassroots presence and its ability to fulfill its historical mission. Central to this agenda is the ANC’s vision for transforming South Africa’s economy, including the development of a manufacturing-driven, export-led economy, with an emphasis on technological innovation.
“We must build a robust infrastructure and invest in globally competitive manufacturing and business services. The transformation of the economy is essential to advancing the goals of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR),” Mantashe stated.
He also outlined the ANC’s strategy to combat youth unemployment, which includes educational reform, skills development, enhanced access to labor market information, and targeted employment programs. “We must empower young people and give them the tools to succeed in a changing world,” Mantashe concluded.
