ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula Questions Party’s Future, Citing Frustration and Disillusionment

• ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula voiced deep frustration with the ANC’s direction, citing disillusionment over the party’s disconnection from its original mission and the public.
• Mbalula’s remarks at a policy review meeting highlighted issues of internal division, stalled service delivery, and unmet promises to South Africans, questioning the party’s future viability.
• His critical stance has sparked speculation about his role in the ANC and raised calls for unity and reform as the party prepares for the 2024 elections.

Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), recently made a stark public statement that has shocked both party members and the broader South African public. In a surprising departure from typical party rhetoric, Mbalula expressed deep frustration and disillusionment with the ANC’s current trajectory, sparking concerns over the ruling party’s future.

During a policy review meeting held in Pretoria, Mbalula shifted his focus inward, openly criticizing his own party for what he called a troubling loss of direction and a disconnect from the South African people. While he has been vocal on numerous policy issues, this level of discontent was unexpected. Mbalula candidly voiced his dissatisfaction with the ANC’s failure to deliver on promises, specifically citing service delivery challenges, high unemployment, and pervasive corruption. “We promised to improve the lives of ordinary people,” he noted, “yet we are struggling to meet even basic needs.”

Mbalula further identified internal divisions as a significant source of the ANC’s troubles. He stated, “The ANC was built on unity and a commitment to the people, but now we seem more focused on internal squabbles and self-preservation.” His words have amplified public concerns over factionalism and the erosion of the ANC’s historic legacy as a liberation movement.

The policy review meeting, originally intended to refocus the party, has instead revealed its internal fragility. Many ANC leaders, taken aback by Mbalula’s honesty, now face mounting pressure to restore unity and regain public trust before the 2024 elections. His outspoken stance has led some to speculate about his future role within the party and whether his remarks will spark genuine reform or deepen divisions. For many, Mbalula’s call for change is an urgent signal for the ANC to reassess its path forward, reigniting questions about its ability to lead and serve South Africans effectively.