Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), has reignited his public spat with Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Chairperson Helen Zille, confidently dismissing her influence within the Government of National Unity (GNU) and downplaying the potential fallout of her departure from the coalition.
Mbalula, speaking in a televised interview, firmly rejected the notion that Zille’s exit would lead to the collapse of the GNU. “It’s not correct that the GNU would collapse if the DA walks away,” he asserted. “The only way the GNU collapses is if the ANC walks away, because we are the largest party in the arrangement. If Zille leaves, it simply means she will be replaced.” This bold statement serves as a reminder of the ANC’s dominant role in the current political landscape, particularly within the GNU, which includes several ideologically divided parties united in a fragile coalition.
The back-and-forth between Mbalula and Zille has simmered for months, but the ANC leader was clear that his party was not rattled by the DA’s rhetoric. “We have not entertained Zille. It’s not a squabble to us,” he said, emphasizing that the ANC would continue pushing its agenda with its majority in the coalition. “The GNU is no melting pot. It’s a coming together of parties with starkly different ideologies, and we’ll fight to win within that arrangement.”
Mbalula’s comments come amidst ongoing tensions within the ANC, especially regarding the future of the party’s alliance with the South African Communist Party (SACP). He expressed concern that the SACP might go solo in the upcoming elections, a move he believes would be detrimental for both parties. “We are engaging with them. We are far more worried about the party (SACP) going at it alone in the elections… We will work tirelessly to avoid the party going alone,” he said.
Despite his firm stance on these issues, Mbalula was also drawn into controversy surrounding a luxury yacht that was reportedly used to transport party leaders during the ANC’s 113th anniversary celebrations in Cape Town. Mbalula was quick to deny any wrongdoing, clarifying that the yacht was a donation from a businessman, and asserting that there was no evidence of corruption.
The tensions with Zille, however, remain a central point of focus. Zille, for her part, remained composed in her response, refusing to engage in further public sparring. “I do not think it is helpful to have public slanging matches,” she said in a text, adding that she and Mbalula have each other’s contact information should either of them wish to discuss matters privately.
In December, Zille had warned that if the DA were to leave the GNU, South Africa could face political instability, with a potential coalition between the ANC, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and the MK Party. Zille argued that such an outcome could have disastrous consequences for the country’s economy, including disinvestment and the risk of South Africa being removed from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows for preferential trade access to the U.S.
As the political tensions simmer, the future of the GNU seems ever more precarious, with both the ANC and the DA making strategic moves ahead of upcoming elections. Mbalula, in particular, remains resolute that the ANC will continue to drive the agenda, regardless of the internal conflicts and the shifting alliances within the coalition.
