African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has called on the party to confront corruption and patronage within its ranks, warning that failure to do so will further erode public trust.
Speaking at the reburial of struggle veterans Todd Matshikiza, Esme Sheila Matshikiza, and John Pogiso Maroo in Komani on Saturday, Mbalula said the ANC’s disappointing performance in the 2024 national and provincial elections was a “strategic setback” that must serve as a wake-up call.
He urged the party to return to its founding values of honesty, humility, and service, stressing that renewal is critical if the ANC hopes to reconnect with the people.
“Our commitment to organisational renewal requires the ANC to be responsive to the dreams and aspirations of the multi-forces for progressive change,” Mbalula said.
“This renewal, comrades, demands that we restore a culture where the ANC’s internal life is indistinguishable from the values that we proclaim. These values — people-centredness, honesty, humility, integrity, and servant leadership — must always define our movement and become central in our efforts to reverse the trust deficit with our people.”
Mbalula said the 2024 elections plunged the movement into “uncharted waters,” forcing it to reflect on its direction.
“The electoral outcomes of the 2024 national and provincial elections plunged the movement into uncharted waters, a moment we characterised as a strategic setback for the national democratic revolution,” he said.
He emphasised that the ANC must take bold and decisive action to rebuild public confidence.
“Where there is corruption, we must uproot it. Where there is patronage, we must dismantle it. Where there is cynicism, we must answer with principled action,” Mbalula declared.
“We must be bold to say to those who use the name of our movement to enrich themselves by stealing from the poor and committing criminal acts — not in our name. Even if a comrade can be your best friend or your closest relative, not in our name.”
