By Thapelo Molefe
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has delivered a ultimatum to party members: prioritise rebuilding the organisation over personal ambitions or face the danger of losing political and State power altogether.
Speaking at Andrew Mlangeni’s Memorial Lecture Lecture held at the Boiketlong Community Hall, Free State, on Saturday, Mbalula warned that relentless political infighting and the scramble for positions could push the ANC out of power at a time when the party stands at a critical crossroads.
“Stop a bit with this thing of wanting to be in leadership. We are in a problem, at a point where we might lose power to lead. So, we must fight so that the ANC can go back to its former glory,” said Mbalula.
Mbalula criticised members whom he said were more concerned with campaigning for internal positions than doing the work of strengthening branches and winning public trust.
“Being appointed as a leader in the ANC is a small thing…Let us focus on building the party. When the time is right, we will discuss leadership,” he said.
“The urgent task before us is to rebuild our organisation—root and branch. This is not the time for distraction or division. Those preoccupied with succession debates must understand: such discussions have their rightful place, and their rightful time. For now, our focus must remain firmly on renewing the ANC and restoring the trust of our people through action, discipline, and unity.”
His remarks come amid mounting pressure on the ANC, now reliant on coalition partnerships to govern in several municipalities after suffering major electoral losses.
Mbalula called the situation unacceptable.
“We don’t want partnerships, we want to rule. So how will we rule if we continue fighting against each other, speaking about things that are not important,” he said.
Taking a swipe at breakaway formations like the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, Mbalula dismissed the idea that new political projects posed a serious threat to the ANC.
“They are still to call more press conferences…We as the ANC are standing. ANC is not a fashion. They think they can do something better, but we are busy fixing their mess here,” he said.
“Do not be misled by cults of personality masquerading as political parties. Ours is a movement rooted in values, history, and the collective will of the people—not in the ambitions of individuals seeking power without principle.”
Mbalula also took a swipe at figures like former MKP Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu, implying that instability in rival parties underscored the ANC’s resilience.
“A person was appointed to a certain position and hasn’t even lasted a year before being removed,” he said.
“Mlangeni was not a political grasshopper moving from one organisation to another, seeking greener pastures or self-aggrandisement. He was the embodiment of a disciplined cadre, the kind that we seek to develop through ongoing political education.”
In a scathing rebuke of ANC members who attack the party on social media, Mbalula said many of them were disgraced former leaders trying to claw back relevance.
“If you dig deeper, you’ll find they’re fighting for positions — the same positions they once failed in,” he said.
Despite his criticism, Mbalula highlighted signs of progress, citing the ANC’s recent by-election victory in Mpumalanga’s Ehlanzeni region as proof the party still enjoys grassroots support.
“They were busy, and the ANC came and won. You must respect this organisation,” he declared.
Calling for unity and a renewed sense of purpose, Mbalula urged members to rise above internal battles and focus on rebuilding.
“Shame the devil and work for the ANC. People are tired of hearing about power struggles — they want to know where we are leading them.”
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