By Thapelo Molefe
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula paid tribute to former deputy president David Mabuza on Tuesday, saying Mabuza preference action over attention and solutions over slogans.
Describing him as a unifier during political uncertainty, Mbalula pointed out Mabuza’s role as a stabilising force within the party during his leadership positions as ANC leader.
Mabuza died last after a short illness at the age of 64.
As the ANC prepares for Mabuza’s memorial service on Thursday and funeral on Saturday, Mbalula also addressed the organisation’s current state, noting ongoing reflections amidst various current affairs.
He also underscored the significance of the upcoming Freedom Charter celebrations and Mandela Month as opportunities for national renewal.
Reflecting on Mabuza’s leadership, Mbalula characterised him as a humble leader whose legacy would continue to gain clarity and appreciation over time.
He reiterated the ANC’s commitment to honoring Mabuza as a loyal cadre and devoted patriot during this period of mourning and remembrance.
“Comrade Mabuza embodied disciplined, humble, and people-centred leadership. A son of the soil, born of rural hardship, he never detached from the lived realities of ordinary South Africans,” Mbalula said.
Mabuza, who served as Deputy President of the Republic and of the ANC, was remembered as a strategic leader who worked behind the scenes to stabilise the party and advance service delivery.
He also chaired inter-ministerial committees on land reform, township economies and veterans’ affairs and played a leading role in the SA National AIDS Council.
In his address, Mbalula also welcomed the 25-year prison sentence handed down to Sibusiso Ncengwa, the man convicted of murdering former ANC Youth League Secretary-General Sindiso Magaqa.
“This sentencing reaffirms the principle that no act of political violence will go unpunished,” Mbalula said.
“Comrade Magaqa embodied a generation of courageous youth leaders. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to eradicating all forms of political violence.”
With July marking Mandela Month and the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, the ANC urged South Africans to reflect on the values of Nelson Mandela by taking part in community service and acts of compassion.
“Let Mandela Month be a time of national renewal. Let it be marked by cleaning communities, mentoring youth, protecting the elderly and upholding the law,” he said.
The party also reaffirmed its commitment to the Freedom Charter and said the recently launched National Dialogue process under the Government of National Unity was in line with the Charter’s vision of a people-centred democracy.
Mbalula said over 92 000 ANC members had completed a political education course as part of the party’s internal renewal campaign.
“We are rebuilding a principled movement, one that places service above self and integrity above convenience,” he said.
He praised the Department of Human Settlements for launching a digital housing application system to reduce fraud and commended the police for dismantling a fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) syndicate.
“Let it be known: corruption will not be tolerated. Crime will not go unpunished. Public funds belong to the people; not to criminal syndicates or dishonest officials,” Mbalula said.
The ANC welcomed recent improvements in the higher education sector, including growth in student numbers and global recognition for the University of Johannesburg but admitted challenges remain.
“We do not turn a blind eye to administrative inefficiencies, infrastructure gaps, and governance failures in some institutions,” said Mbalula.
“We are committed to building an education system that is just, inclusive, and capable of driving innovation.”
In one of the most pointed parts of the statement, the ANC accused parts of the media of unethical behaviour and acting as political players.
“We are gravely concerned by the growing pattern of what can only be described as captured journalism,” Mbalula said.
“Certain journalists are no longer reporting the news, but are actively involved in shaping political agendas.”
While reaffirming the party’s support for press freedom, Mbalula said that freedom must never be confused with impunity.
“We call on the Press Council, SANEF, journalism schools and editors’ forums to act decisively to confront this creeping ethical rot,” he said, warning that media houses risk losing credibility if they fail to act.
“To be clear, we are not at war with the media. We are at war with misinformation and disinformation.”
The ANC used the statement to call for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine and urged for humanitarian relief.
Mbalula said the party stood “in firm solidarity with all oppressed peoples around the world.”
In closing, the ANC said it remained committed to clean governance, public service and protecting the legacy of struggle icons.
“We dare not fail the people who placed their trust in us. We dare not betray the sacrifices of those who came before,” said Mbalula.
“We serve the people. We advance the revolution. And we move forward together.”
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