Government of National Unity: ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula Slams Critics, Rehashes Ideals

Government of National Unity: ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula Slams Critics, Rehashes Ideals

  • African National Congress Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has rubbished naysayers opposing the Government of National Unity (GNU)
  • He described the ANC as being multi-ideological, saying only democrat-inclined members belonged in its ranks
  • Mbalula voiced concerns the liberation movement would stray from its position on issues or reform

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ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula hit out at Governemnt of National Unity naysayers
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula had choice words for Government of National Unity naysayers. Image: Per-Anders Pettersson
Source: Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG — African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is harshly criticising detractors who oppose the move to band with the Democratic Alliance (DA) to form the highly punted Government of National Unity (GNU).

The perennial ruling party did not win a majority in the polls after dropping below 50% in the 2019 General Election.

Drop below lion's share of the vote

Their below-par 40.18% (159 seats) support, combined with the white-led, pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA), which raked in 21.81% of the vote with 87 seats, galvanised the two to find common ground for an unprecedented move in the country's democratic dispensation.

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According to Reuters, the parties agreed on Friday to work together, a step towards change after 30 years of ANC rule.

Since then, Mbalula has blasted anyone daring to question the move. He said in a TimesLIVE interview:

“Since when do all ANC members think alike? Our history is a rich one, we're unafraid to analyse situations and share ideas. Any leadership taking strategic decisions due to facing challenges and charting a way forward must not be afraid of criticism, even from within.”

Mbalula warned against concerns the liberation movement would stray from its position on issues or reform.

ANC not a black political party

He emphasised the ANC's ideology must not be distorted such that it is perceived as a black political party.

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"We are not [the] Azanian People's Organisation (Azapo), and not the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC)".

He described the ANC as a pan-Africanist, multi-ideological party.

“If you are a communist and pursue a socialist, classless agenda, you belong in the Communist Party. But if you are a democrat, you belong in the ANC. That's who we are. However, we must not be classified as a black political party."

EFF's Floyd Shivambu wants President Cyril Ramaphosa impeached

In other recent news, Briefly News reported that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) were at it again with the apparent business of crying foul.

This was as the party's commander-in-chief, Julius Malema, levelled up to become head of state but fell dismally short against the re-elected President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday, 14 June.

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Tshepiso Mametela avatar

Tshepiso Mametela (Head of Current Affairs Desk) Tshepiso Mametela is a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience writing for online and print publications. He is the current affairs Head of Desk at Briefly News. He was a news reporter for The Herald, a senior sports contributor at Opera News SA, and a reporter for Caxton Local Media’s Bedfordview and Edenvale News and Joburg East Express community titles. He has attended media workshops, including the crime and court reporting one by the Wits Justice Project and Wits Centre for Journalism in 2024. Email: tshepiso.mametela@briefly.co.za