South Africa’s political landscape remains ensnared in a recurring battle between loyalty and competence, with recent events reflecting a troubling prioritization of allegiance over expertise.
The 2017 dismissal of Pravin Gordhan as Finance Minister by then-President Jacob Zuma marked a significant turning point in the country’s governance. Gordhan, widely regarded as a competent and experienced leader, was replaced by Des Van Rooyen, whose lack of qualifications for the critical role drew sharp criticism. This controversial appointment exemplified Zuma’s tendency to prioritize loyalty over merit, destabilizing South Africa’s economy and eroding public trust.
Fast forward to 2024, and the African National Congress (ANC) appears to be repeating these patterns, albeit in different forms. Fikile Mbalula, the ANC Secretary-General and a former critic of President Cyril Ramaphosa, has transformed into one of his most vocal supporters. At a recent event, Mbalula drew widespread attention—and criticism—for performing an awkward twerking dance in a display of allegiance to Ramaphosa. While seemingly trivial, this act underscores a deeper issue: the subordination of principles and accountability to political loyalty within the ANC.
The irony is striking. Mbalula’s public displays of loyalty stand in stark contrast to the leadership South Africans need in the face of ongoing challenges, including economic stagnation, corruption, and governance failures. Just as Zuma’s decisions once sidelined competence for allegiance, today’s antics suggest that the ANC continues to struggle with valuing merit over loyalty.
South Africans deserve leaders who prioritize expertise and accountability, not theatrics or political favor-trading. Without a decisive shift toward meritocracy and integrity, the country risks perpetuating a cycle where governance is undermined by shallow displays of loyalty, leaving pressing national issues unresolved.
