ANC’s Mbalula Backs EFF’s Ndlozi in Critique of Jacob Zuma, Stirring Debate Over ANC Legacy and Unity

• ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has supported EFF Commissar Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s critique of former President Jacob Zuma, comparing him unfavorably to leaders of South Africa’s Bantustan era.
• Ndlozi accuses Zuma of weakening the ANC Youth League’s radical and Pan-Africanist stance, questioning his commitment to core anti-apartheid values, a sentiment now indirectly endorsed by Mbalula’s public repost.
• Mbalula’s support for Ndlozi’s statement has intensified discussions around Zuma’s legacy, potentially signaling divisions within the ANC about its ideological direction and unity moving forward.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula’s alignment with EFF Commissar Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s critique of former President Jacob Zuma has sparked widespread discussion in South African political circles, bringing new focus to Zuma’s legacy and ideological tensions within the ANC. Ndlozi’s statement challenged Zuma’s role and compared his leadership style to that of Bantustan-era leaders, arguing that Zuma failed to uphold the ANC’s revolutionary ideals.

Ndlozi’s critique centers on Zuma’s impact on the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), which had long been known for its radical, Pan-Africanist stance. According to Ndlozi, Zuma played a significant role in diluting the ANCYL’s influence, compromising its historic commitment to anti-colonial and anti-apartheid values. Ndlozi suggested that Zuma’s approach lacked genuine dedication to “Black consciousness,” a philosophy that has traditionally supported Pan-Africanist and anti-apartheid movements.

Mbalula’s decision to repost Ndlozi’s statement, signaling agreement, has stirred speculation about internal divisions within the ANC. As a prominent figure and Secretary-General, Mbalula’s endorsement raises questions about whether other ANC members may share Ndlozi’s critique of Zuma’s policies and leadership approach. Some analysts see this as a potential shift, indicating that ANC leaders are willing to re-evaluate their predecessors’ actions publicly. Mbalula’s support may signal a broader willingness among ANC leadership to confront challenging aspects of the party’s history.

The public endorsement has reignited discussions about how Zuma’s legacy aligns or contrasts with the values historically upheld by the ANC. Supporters of Ndlozi’s critique see it as a necessary reflection on internal issues within the ANC, while others view the comments as divisive, potentially straining unity within the party and alienating Zuma’s supporters.

The renewed debate around these statements has prompted deeper reflection on the ANC’s current ideological path, especially as the party navigates both internal and external pressures. In a political climate where legacies are constantly scrutinized, Ndlozi’s sharp critique—and Mbalula’s public agreement—underscore questions about the ANC’s future direction and the values it intends to uphold going forward.