ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has struck a defiant tone after being booed by some party members, declaring that he will not be intimidated in his role. “I run the ANC, and I belong to a collective, nobody will intimidate me,” he stated.
Mbalula, who is accountable for party decisions, addressed the incident directly. He condemned those who booed him over conference outcomes, warning that such conduct is “wrong” and undermines the movement’s core values of discipline and unity. He added that losing within the democratic process does not faze him.
In a separate development, ANC Youth League (ANCYL) president Collen Malatji has reportedly withdrawn his earlier apology over the controversial “tea party” remark about the National Dialogue.
The Youth League had previously described the comment as an “unfortunate characterisation” and apologised. However, Malatji is now said to have reversed that position, insisting his original description was justified.
The ANC has not yet issued an official response to the Youth League leader’s move. Analysts warn this could deepen tensions between the Youth League and other stakeholders in the National Dialogue process.
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