Fikile Mbalula, secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC), has attacked Mzwanele Manyi, a former government spokesperson and current figure in the MK Party, harshly, branding him a credulous political opportunist. Mbalula made fun of Manyi’s history of changing political affiliations during a party meeting this past weekend, claiming that the former president’s habit of always changing parties had made him an embarrassment. Manyi, I won’t even mention his name; that guy switched political parties.
The man left the ANC to join the African Transformation Movement (ATM), which led him to join Julius Malema’s EFF, and finally Jacob Zuma’s MK Party, according to Mbalula’s statement to his followers. Adding, “It’s over,” he was direct. Some individuals find it uncomfortable to bring up Mzwanele Manyi because he is an ANC member.
After making a name for himself as an outspoken ANC defender under Jacob Zuma’s presidency, Manyi has since rebranded himself in other political factions. Curiosity was piqued by his 2019 flip to the EFF, and by his late 2023 switch to the newly created MK Party, he signalled his strongest connection yet with Zuma, his former boss in the cabinet.
Mbalula’s comments show how the ANC is becoming increasingly hostile towards former members who have defected and are now openly critical of the ruling party. Particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and abroad, the MK Party has established itself as an ANC rival, threatening the party’s very foundations.
“I won’t call him by his name, Manyi, that man changed Political Party’s. From the ANC he went to join ATM from ATM he went to Julius Malema then he went to Jacob Zuma’s MK Party” ANC SG Fikile Mbalula
“It’s over, when you speak about @MzwaneleManyi people say no wait, it’s… pic.twitter.com/oz4Myyn4m0
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) September 7, 2025
Political scientists contend that Mbalula’s assault on Manyi is a calculated move by the ANC to discredit the MK Party by drawing attention to its prominent members’ personal histories. “Manyi exemplifies a disturbing tendency in South African politics: people are constantly switching parties in an attempt to find their place in the system.
The independent analyst Zamani Mkhize stated that Mbalula is obviously attempting to portray him as unprincipled and, hence, untrustworthy. Manyi has previously stated that his movements are not driven by opportunism but by his developing political convictions.
The necessity to “restore dignity and accountability in South African politics” was the driving force for his March announcement that he would be joining the MK Party. As the 2026 local government elections draw near, tensions between the ANC and split factions like the MK Party are likely to escalate. Mbalula’s most recent tirade implies that the ruling party is not afraid to engage in direct confrontations.