In a fiery address at the ANC’s West Rand regional conference, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula delivered a pointed message to detractors within the party, making it clear he will not succumb to factional pressures or political blackmail ahead of the 2027 elections. The outspoken politician also used the platform to call for a decisive end to corruption, internal divisions, and what he termed ‘tender politics’ in the African National Congress (ANC).
Defending His Leadership Amid Party Tensions
Mbalula, known for his no-nonsense approach, addressed growing speculation around his political future and leadership style. “I don’t care about your support. I won’t be blackmailed for 2027,” he declared, silencing murmurs of discontent within certain factions of the ANC.
His comments come amidst a backdrop of increasing factionalism within the ruling party, with some members allegedly leveraging their support as a form of political bargaining. Mbalula’s remarks are seen as a direct rebuke to those seeking to undermine his position through underhanded tactics.
Calling for a United Front
The secretary-general also took the opportunity to emphasize the need for unity within the ANC, warning that internal divisions could jeopardize the party’s future. “Factionalism is killing us. We need to root it out if we want to remain relevant to the people of South Africa,” he stated.
Mbalula urged party members to focus on the ANC’s core mission of serving the nation’s citizens rather than prioritizing personal or factional interests. He called on delegates to reject the culture of patronage and corruption that has plagued the party in recent years, warning that such practices erode public trust and undermine governance.
Combating ‘Tender Politics’
One of the most striking moments of Mbalula’s speech was his condemnation of what he termed ‘tender politics’—a culture where government contracts are awarded based on connections rather than merit. He argued that this practice not only breeds corruption but also hinders the delivery of essential services to communities.
“We cannot allow tenders to be a tool for enriching a few while the majority of our people suffer,” Mbalula said. He urged the ANC to adopt stricter measures to curb corruption and ensure that public funds are used for their intended purposes.
Charting a Path Forward
Looking ahead, Mbalula emphasized the importance of introspection and reform within the ANC. He called on members to recommit to the values and principles that once made the party a beacon of hope for South Africans.
“Our survival as a movement depends on our ability to adapt and evolve,” he said. “We need to be honest about our shortcomings and take bold steps to address them.”
Mbalula’s speech received mixed reactions from attendees, with some praising his forthrightness while others questioned whether his words would translate into actionable change. However, one thing was clear: the secretary-general is determined to steer the ANC away from the pitfalls of corruption and factionalism, even if it means ruffling feathers within his party.
The Road to 2027
As the ANC looks ahead to the 2027 elections, Mbalula’s leadership and vision will undoubtedly be tested. His call for unity and ethical governance represents a critical juncture for the party, which has faced declining public support in recent years.
Whether Mbalula’s message resonates across the ANC’s diverse factions remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that his resolve to stand firm against political blackmail and corruption has set the stage for a potentially transformative period in the party’s history.