Mbalula Tells Patrice Motsepe to Sit Down at ANC Event, Cites Party Rules
- ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula interrupted Patrice Motsepe at an official party gathering, telling the billionaire to take his seat
- Mbalula reminded those present that ANC leadership aspirations must follow constitutional processes and internal branch structures
- The moment has drawn widespread attention online amid persistent speculation about Motsepe's potential ANC presidential ambitions
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Source: Getty Images
SOUTH AFRICA — ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula publicly told billionaire mining magnate Patrice Motsepe to sit down during an official ANC gathering, reinforcing the party's position that organisational rules govern all leadership processes.
The incident, captured on video and shared on X, shows Motsepe standing alongside ANC First Deputy Secretary-General Gwen Ramokgopa, who was wearing an ANC-branded cap. The two briefly held hands as Motsepe gestured toward members in attendance.
Mbalula then addressed Motsepe directly from the podium, instructing him to be seated and reminding the room that the party's constitution and internal branch structures determine how leadership is pursued.
ANC rules apply to everyone, Mbalula says
Mbalula's intervention was pointed and public. He made clear that aspirations to lead the ANC must be pursued through established organisational channels, not through high-profile appearances or business standing. He has previously stated that leading the movement requires grassroots political work within party ranks.
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The exchange comes against the backdrop of sustained speculation, both in the media and among the public, about whether Motsepe intends to contest the ANC presidency. Motsepe, the founder and executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, has consistently and publicly denied any interest in seeking public office or entering the ANC leadership race.
Watch the moment Mbalula instructed Motsepe to sit down:
Social media reacts to the podium moment
The clip drew swift commentary on X, with users offering varying takes on what the exchange revealed.
@Aluta2019 said:
"He was being bitter."
@yesadok wrote:
"Money doesn't buy you a pass from the seating chart."
@JimmyKubheka15 questioned:
"Didn't your billionaire say he's not interested in running for the presidency, and anything to do with the ANC, so what was he doing there? 👀"
@StHonorable noted simply:
"Mbaks isn't playing."
Mbalula has previously responded publicly to claims that Motsepe was positioning himself for the ANC presidency, and his actions at this latest gathering signal that the party's executive leadership intends to keep a firm grip on succession discussions ahead of the ANC's next elective conference.
Fikile Mbalula asks church to pray for ANC members
In a related article, Briefly News reported on Mbalula's recent address at St John's Apostolic Church in Katlehong, where he urged members to forgive and pray for African National Congress (ANC) members for their transgressions. His comments, however, sparked significant backlash from South Africans, highlighting the deep frustration with the party's leadership and accountability issues.
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Source: Briefly News
