ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has criticized Mzwanele Manyi, a member of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and former government spokesperson, for frequently changing his political affiliation.
Speaking at a political briefing, Mbalula highlighted Manyi’s moves from the ANC to the African Transformation Movement (ATM), then to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and now to the MK Party. Mbalula described this as opportunism rather than a commitment to political principles.
Manyi, once a strong ANC supporter and government communications head, left the ruling party amid internal disagreements. He later joined the ATM, then the EFF, before aligning with former President Jacob Zuma’s MK Party, which is emerging as a competitor to the ANC.
Mbalula suggested Manyi’s shifts were motivated by personal ambition rather than ideology, stating that frequent party changes raise questions about credibility and principle.
Political analysts view Mbalula’s remarks as part of the ANC’s growing concern over members defecting to the MK Party, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
Manyi has publicly criticized the ANC in return, accusing the party of straying from its original values and defending Zuma’s MK Party as an alternative.
The exchange reflects heightened political tensions as South Africa enters a more competitive era, with the ANC facing significant electoral challenges and increased party defections.