ANC defends Mbalula for announcing Mabuza's passing

THE ANC is grappling with an internal controversy after Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula “deliberately and prematurely” announced the death of former Deputy President David Mabuza, sparking widespread criticism and calls for him to take responsibility for his actions. According to ANC insiders, President Cyril Ramaphosa was “very angry” after Mbalula took to social media to announce Mabuza's death ahead of the president's official announcement.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

Ramaphosa had delayed announcing the death because he had been waiting to express his condolences to Mabuza's family before informing the nation.

Mabuza died at a Sandton hospital on Thursday, after a short illness.

Sources claim that Ramaphosa's frustration stems from Mbalula's breach of protocol, which is seen as a sign of disrespect to the president and the party. “The president was waiting for the family to arrive before making the announcement, and Mbalula’s actions were seen as a disregard for the family's grief,” a source said.

Senior members of the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) are now calling for Mbalula to explain himself and take responsibility for his actions.

“The general-secretary (Mbalula) needs to account for why he broke protocol and announced the death before the president,” an NEC member said.