MBALULA'S POWER PLAY BACKFIRES: ANC Secretary General Accused of Encroaching After Ally's Defeat

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

Fikile Mbalula, the ANC Secretary General, is facing accusations of encroaching on the party's internal affairs after his ally, Dada Morero, was defeated by Loyiso Masuku in the recent Johannesburg regional conference.

Mbalula's swift dismissal of Masuku's potential mayoral ambitions has raised eyebrows, with many interpreting it as an attempt to exert control over the party's decision-making process.

Masuku's historic victory, becoming the first woman to chair the ANC's biggest region, was expected to pave the way for her to become the mayor of Johannesburg. However, Mbalula has downplayed the idea, stating that the party's priority is to win back support in the city rather than debating positions. Critics argue that Mbalula's stance is a thinly veiled attempt to maintain his grip on power and undermine Masuku's authority.

The ANC's Gauteng co-convenor, Panyaza Lesufi, has warned against factional battles, urging party members to focus on rescuing the organisation rather than fighting for control. Lesufi's comments come amid concerns that Mbalula's actions are exacerbating internal divisions within the party.

Mbalula has denied accusations that he is seeking to become the ANC president, insisting that the party's focus is on renewal rather than internal contestation. However, his handling of the Masuku-Morero situation has raised questions about his true intentions.

The defeat of Morero, a Mbalula ally, has been seen as a setback for Mbalula's faction, and the outcome of the Tshwane conference is expected to further test the strength of the two factions. The conference, which is scheduled to take place this weekend, will see the election of new leadership, with Eugene Modise and George Matjila, both Mbalula allies, vying for key positions ¹.

As the ANC prepares for the 2026 local government elections, the outcome of the Tshwane conference will be closely watched, with many expecting it to provide further insight into the party's internal dynamics and the relative strength of the various factions.

The ANC's internal battles are expected to intensify in the coming months, with the party's National General Council (NGC) set to discuss key issues, including the party's leadership and strategy. The NGC, which is currently underway, has been marked by controversy, with some delegates accusing Mbalula of trying to manipulate the process.

The outcome of the Tshwane conference and the NGC will have significant implications for the ANC's future, with many expecting the party to face significant challenges in the coming years.