Fikile Mbalula’s words of war against Pravin Gordhan could be a sign of how fragmented the ANC has become
South Africa – The ANC has been facing turbulent waters, with internal divisions and public scandals taking centre stage. One of the latest incidents involves the controversial statements made by Minister Fikile Mbalula at a Women’s League conference, targeting fellow ANC member, Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan.
At the Women’s League conference, Minister Mbalula made derogatory comments about Gordhan, suggesting he might be fired due to his perceived lack of performance. Addressing the conference, Mbalula stated, “Now I will say to Pravin Gordhan; I was with him there. I was also a minister of transport. ‘Comrade Pravin, move faster, or otherwise, we will move you’.”
Some, like political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe, argue that Mbalula’s statements might have been part of a strategic move known as “flying kites”. This tactic involves testing public reaction to certain ideas or statements, possibly with the intention of gauging support for potential actions.
“What one must ask is whether he has been sent to say those things so that when they boomerang and don’t work, it can still be managed. If there are people who want to get rid of Pravin Gordhan, it would be necessary for this to be said by somebody in this position to say the ANC is not satisfied and therefore create a momentum around that.”
Seepe also speculated that Mbalula’s controversial remarks could stem from a sense of inadequacy in his position as Secretary General of the ANC. By targeting other ANC members, he may be attempting to distract from his own lacklustre performance and deflect criticism.
On Saturday night, the ANC issued a statement clarifying Mbalula’s comments. The statement affirmed that Gordhan’s job was safe and that the call “to address our rail and freight logistics does not amount to a call for his removal”.
Internal Divisions: A party unravelling
The ANC’s internal divisions and infighting have become increasingly evident. Mbalula’s statements are seen as indicative of a party struggling to maintain unity and coherence. As the ANC approaches the upcoming elections, these internal tensions may escalate, leading to mudslinging and derogatory statements within the party.
“The most obvious thing is that the ANC is an empty vessel right now. It’s a party with no ideas … In the public mind, it is a party that has failed. With the elections coming and people calling out its failures continuously, what they would do is that the party will become desperate. But when you have no idea, you have no vision, it leads to this internal finger pointing. So that is what we are going to see. It is not going to be about the people. It’s going to be about how to get rid of each other because it has become almost like a cancer within the ANC.”
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Election prospects and coalition possibilities
Despite its internal divisions, the ANC still enjoys a substantial following. However, the upcoming elections could see the party facing challenges. While it may secure the most votes, forming coalitions with other parties may be necessary to maintain its majority in parliament.
“When it comes to elections, because of a force of habit [the ANC will still get most of the votes]. There are people who cannot count on those to vote for other parties but also the problem is do other parties provide anything different. So, the ANC will still get most of the votes, but I do not think that it will get the outright majority.”
The recent controversy surrounding Mbalula’s statements sheds light on the internal strife within the ANC and its leadership crisis. As the elections approach, the party’s divisions may become more pronounced, leading to increased political posturing and mudslinging. The ANC’s ability to retain its majority in parliament will largely depend on its response to internal dissent and how it navigates the complexities of coalition-building. As South Africa enters a critical political juncture, the nation awaits the unfolding of events with bated breath
Professor Sipho Seepe discussed with Julie Alli how Fikile Mbalula is digging his own grave as well as President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC’s supposed leadership crisis. Listen to that discussion here:
