Mbalula warns of self-inflicted wounds amid corruption and SACP's split from ANC

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula delivered a searing indictment of his own party, admitting that the ANC's current woes and dwindling public trust are largely a consequence of its own actions, particularly the pervasive corruption scandals.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

Speaking at the Mpumalanga Provincial General Council at the weekend, Mbalula warned the governing party that it must “change its ways or it will die”, and took a swipe at the South African Communist Party (SACP) for its decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently.

He did not mince words when reflecting on the ANC's performance in last year's national elections, where it secured a mere 40% of the vote, forcing the unprecedented formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU).

“We have suffered a setback, a big one. Our numbers went down to 40%. We had to create what is called a Government of National Unity,” he stated, acknowledging the severity of the electoral blow.

Mbalula placed the blame squarely on the party's internal conduct and the widespread perception of corruption, rather than a rejection of its foundational principles.

“Our ways and deeds have contributed largely to the low morale among our voters and our people,” Mbalula said.