August 14, 2023
Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC), delivered a thought-provoking speech at the funeral service of Thabo Mabasa Sehlabo, the late Secretary General of the ANC’s Fezile Dabi region. The gathering, held in Zamdela, Sasolburg, on Sunday, August 13, was not only a tribute to Sehlabo’s legacy but also became a platform for Mbalula to address the political climate and urge attendees to embrace discipline and consultation.
In his address, Mbalula stressed the importance of adhering to the ANC’s organizational processes and discouraging impulsive actions. “Thabo knew how to follow organizational processes; you don’t just do as you wish,” Mbalula emphasized, addressing the crowd. “This old thing of people doing as they wish in their corners is over. You have to come to us and consult about the changes you want to see in your municipality. Don’t just go up and down with the people in red overalls without telling us about it,” he added.
Mbalula’s comments appear to reference the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), often associated with their distinctive red overalls. The EFF, has been known for its confrontational stance and vocal criticism of the ANC’s governance. The Secretary General’s appeal for consultation reflects the ANC’s desire to maintain control over its constituencies amidst increasing political competition.
However, Mbalula’s remarks did not go uncontested. Those who came across his speech on social media expressed divergent opinions. One user, in a sharp retort, reminded Mbalula of the transitory nature of political leadership, stating, “Remember Mr. Fixfokkol, it’s a matter of 5 years; don’t act as if you’re going to occupy that position for the rest of your life.” This sentiment underscores the skepticism that often accompanies political promises and the inherent power dynamics within the ANC.
Another commenter cynically remarked, “You can see it’s election time. The amount of hot air spewed is staggering. Balloons everywhere.” The statement points to the inherent skepticism many citizens harbor towards politicians, particularly in the lead-up to elections.
The online discourse surrounding Mbalula’s speech also highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the ANC and the EFF. Supporters of the EFF flooded the comment section with images of the party’s leader, Julius Malema, and crowds donning their signature red attire. This underscores the deep-rooted divisions and passionate allegiances within South Africa’s political landscape.
As the nation mourned the passing of Thabo Mabasa Sehlabo, his funeral inadvertently became a microcosm of the larger tensions and dynamics shaping South African politics. Fikile Mbalula’s call for discipline, consultation, and party unity serves as a reminder of the challenges facing the ANC as it navigates a complex political landscape. With the looming elections, the words and actions of political leaders continue to be scrutinized, shaping the narrative of a nation in search of stability and progress.
https://twitter.com/MbalulaFikile/status/1690803230911967234?s=20 https://twitter.com/Jeremy991999303/status/1690824031870529537?s=20 https://twitter.com/YuriRoper/status/1690892672515641344?s=20 https://twitter.com/Magdalene2490/status/1690811854099030016?s=20
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