African National Congress Defends Candidate List With Members Accused of Corruption
- The African National Congress is under fire for having a list of people accused of corruption as their candidates for the upcoming general elections
- The party's secretary general, Fikile Mbalula, defended the decision to place these members on their list of candidates
- South Africans are unaffected by the news as many resolved to have the ruling party removed from power
Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Johannesburg, South Africa, has covered policy changes, the State of the Nation Address, politician-related news and elections at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News for over seven years. Do you have a hard news story you would like to share? Email tebogo.mokwena@briefly.co.za with CA in the subject line.
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JOHANNESBURG – The African National Congress stands by its decision to have party members accused of corruption on its candidates' list. South Africans are firmly convinced they will ensure the ANC is voted out of power in the upcoming elections.
Fikile Mbalula defends ANC's list
According to eNCA, Fikile Mbalula, the party's secretary general, defended the party's list featuring members facing corruption charges as candidates for the elections, which will be held on 29 May 2024. Mbalula said that the party's structures ensure that capable candidates are chosen to implement the ANC's goal of a better life for all.
He said the candidate's election process was guided by a new set of rules that promote transparency, integrity, meritocracy and vibrant internal democracy. He asserted that the rules ensure that only those qualified to stand in office are elected.
South Africans unfazed by the ANC
Netizens on Facebook are not moved by Mbalula's remarks.
Velaphi Stoez Gatsheni said:
"While they include them, their agenda on the ground is that all people must go vote for their parties in large numbers so those crooks lose power come the end of May."
Naledi Motshegare-Nomame said:
"Yoh, I'm tired of these politicians."
Ntjiepana Trevor Mahapa Maleka asked:
"Do they want us to accept corrupt people to lead us?"
De Mover said:
"It's finished, shem. There is nothing credible left in the ANC."
Sunset Moya said:
"The original ANC is dead. Only hyenas are left."
Fikile Mbalula defended from online trolls
In a recent article, Briefly News reported that Mbalula was defended on X from online trolls.
Mbalula went viral after he defended members of the ANC without matric qualifications. He said that it was possible to obtain a degree or higher through a Recognition of Prior Learning programme.
Netizens roasted him for his statements, and many came to his defence, pointing out that RPL allows one to study for a degree without a matric certificate.
Source: Briefly News
