African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has urged the ruling party to confront corruption and patronage head-on or risk further eroding public confidence.
Speaking at the reburial of struggle icons Todd Matshikiza, Esme Sheila Matshikiza, and John Pogiso Maroo in Komani on Saturday, Mbalula said the ANC’s disappointing performance in the 2024 elections was a “strategic setback” and a wake-up call for the movement.
– Advertisement –
He reminded members that the party’s survival depends on returning to its founding principles of integrity, humility, and service. “Our commitment to organisational renewal requires of the ANC to be responsive to the dreams and aspirations of the multi-forces for progressive change,” Mbalula said.
Fikile Mbalula: ‘Strategic Setback’ After 2024 Elections
The 2024 general elections marked a historic moment for the ANC, as it lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994 and was forced into a coalition to stay in power.
Advertisements
Mbalula described the results as a defining moment for the party. “The electoral outcomes of the 2024 national and provincial elections plunged the movement into uncharted waters, a moment we characterised as a strategic setback for the national democratic revolution.”
He added that rebuilding the movement required aligning the ANC’s internal culture with its publicly stated values. “This renewal, comrades, demands that we restore a culture where the ANC’s internal life is indistinguishable from the values that we proclaim.
“These values, people-centred, honesty, humility, integrity, and servant leadership, must always define our movement and become central in our efforts to reverse the trust deficit with our people.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Bheki Cele Says ANC Can’t Fool Supporters Forever, Urges Party To Apologise
Mbalula stressed that corruption and self-enrichment had no place in the ANC’s vision for a just society. He called for decisive measures to restore credibility and accountability within the party.
– Advertisement –
“Where there is corruption, we must uproot it. Where there is patronage, we must dismantle it. Where there is cynicism, we must answer with principled action,” he said.
“We must be bold to say to those who use the name of our movement to enrich themselves by stealing from the poor and commit criminal acts — not in our name. Even if a comrade can be your best friend, your best relative, not in our name.”
For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X, Instagram and Bluesky
– Advertisement –
