South Africans in Disbelief As Fikile Mbalula Asks Church to Forgive and Pray for ANC Members

Published 18 Aug 2026 at 2:22 PM

by Byron Pillay

3 min read

Fikile Mbalula addressed members of St John's Apostolic Church in Katlehong, asking them for their vote
The African National Congress Secretary-General also asked the church to forgive members for their transgressions
South Africans weighed in on Mbalula's comments, with many criticising the former minister for his appeal

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Fikile Mbalula asked the church to forgive and pray for ANC members, sparking criticism online. Image: @MbalulaFikile
Source: Twitter

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

GAUTENG – South Africans are not impressed with Fikile Mbalula, after he asked the church to pray for and forgive African National Congress (ANC) members who abused their positions.

The ANC Secretary General made the remarks during a visit to St John's Apostolic Church in Katlehong on Sunday, 16 August 2026. During his address, he appealed to religious leaders to bless and guide the governing party through its current challenges.

Mbalula separates the ANC from its members

Addressing the congregation, Mbalula argued that the ANC as an organisation was not inherently at fault, but that certain individuals deployed in its name had betrayed the public's trust.

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“I am continuing to ask the church to play its role, for the church to give us blessings, correct us in our transgressions, and even those that make mistakes, forgive them and pray for them.

“Because this organisation, the ANC, sometimes is not at fault, but it is the individuals in the organisation who are at fault.

Corrupt officials must face consequences

Despite the call for forgiveness, Mbalula was unambiguous about the need for legal consequences. He stated that those found to be corrupt should face arrest, insisting that deployment to public service came with a responsibility to serve rather than exploit.

Mbalula added that protecting South Africa's democracy required identifying and decisively dealing with criminal elements within the party's ranks. He also touched on the ANC's internal renewal programme, saying the party had been making progress in rebuilding itself and regaining public trust.

How did South Africans react?

The remarks drew sharp criticism from social media users, who questioned the appropriateness of raising political matters in a place of worship.

@TomasHTdj wrote:

"A prayer for an unredeemable political party already dead. Its leaders have just not realised it yet, but they will soon. You had your chance; it's over."

@DesireTablai commented:

"How the hell can that congregation allow you to spew politics while they went there to listen to the word of God? You people are disgusting!"

Keith Roelofse said:

“The ANC running to churches to have their sins forgiven. Please, honestly mention what they all are.”

Marietjie Van Wyk Herselman stated:

“Eish, he is such a liar. He believes himself. So sad that he did this in God’s house. How does this man sleep?”

Wollie Wolmarans added:

“It's not good to lie, but on top of that, in a church. It makes it even worse. Sis man.”