“We’re Not a Football Club. ANC leadership isn’t for sale. This isn’t Mamelodi Sundowns.”: Mbalula Sends A Steady Warning.
The ANC’s Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has sounded the alarm — again.
During the Chris Hani Regional Conference in the Eastern Cape on Friday, Mbalula made it clear: if the ANC continues to chase leadership battles and succession gossip, rather than regrouping and rebuilding for the upcoming 2026 local government elections, the party could suffer a devastating defeat in the 2029 national elections.
“Stop Talking About 2027!”
Mbalula didn’t mince his words.
He slammed party members who are already jostling for position and debating who should lead the ANC at the 2027 conference — instead of rolling up their sleeves to rebuild branches and re-engage with the people.
“Why are comrades obsessed with who must lead in 2027 when we are in a muddy place like this? If we don’t focus, we’ll be out of power faster than expected.”
After suffering its worst election results in 2024, Mbalula believes the ANC needs a course correction, not another leadership circus. He wants every branch to focus on the groundwork: door-to-door campaigns, strengthening community ties, and cleaning up internal messes before dreaming of new presidents.
“You Can’t Buy the ANC Like a Football Club”
One of the juiciest parts of Mbalula’s speech came when he addressed growing calls for billionaire Patrice Motsepe to step in as ANC leader.
Without naming names too directly, Mbalula made a strong statement:
“Yes, we eat his money — he donates from time to time. But ANC leadership isn’t for sale. This isn’t Mamelodi Sundowns.”
He argued that leadership must come from within the ranks, earned through hard work and loyalty — not wealth or public profile. Mbalula even questioned whether Motsepe is a member in good standing.
“If Motsepe wants to lead, let him raise his hand inside ANC structures. Campaigning outside is irritating — like raw meat in your throat.”
It’s a powerful analogy and a reminder that the ANC doesn’t want to be swayed by big wallets or elite endorsements.
Trouble Brewing in the Alliance?
Mbalula also warned about growing tensions within the Tripartite Alliance — specifically with the SACP and COSATU.
He said the SACP appears to be drifting away from the agreed path by contesting elections independently, something that threatens to split the alliance’s voter base.
“If the SACP goes it alone, it’ll hurt us badly at the polls. Socialism, as we understood it, was part of the National Democratic Revolution — not separate from it.”
He emphasized that while the ANC supports a reconfiguration of the alliance, unity is non-negotiable if the party is to survive the next few election cycles.
Final Warning: Focus or Be Forgotten
Mbalula’s message to ANC comrades was crystal clear: discipline, not division. Rebuilding, not recruiting billionaires. Local elections first, leadership battles later.
“We’re not going to be led by money here. If you want to chase donors, do it far away.”
With the clock ticking toward the 2026 municipal polls, the ANC faces a tough road ahead. And if Mbalula’s warnings fall on deaf ears, the road to 2029 could be even tougher.
What Do You Think?
Do you agree with Mbalula? Should the ANC focus on fixing itself before talking about new leaders?
Is there a place for someone like Patrice Motsepe at the top — or should the ANC stick to grassroots leadership?
Let’s talk in the comments. 👇