Reporters Johnathan Paoli and Lerato Mbhiza
Videographer Kgalalelo Setlhare
During his address at the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) plenary on Saturday, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stressed the party’s decision not to engage in coalition talks with other parties.
“We will win the next year elections all out, we will not be working with other parties or any coalitions,” Mbalula said
However, Mbalula’s remarks are in stark contrast to statements made by National Convener of the ANCWL Baleka Mbete on Friday evening, who in a reference to the ANC’s local government election performance, called for the necessity of coalition politics to the future of the party.
“Exposure shows that it is not impossible to work in harmony and in an orderly fashion even when you differ ideologically, culturally and politically,” Mbete stressed.
Mbete went on to say that “this will shift us steadily to becoming truly, in conduct and how we relate to others, the leader of society.”
In a media briefing after the open plenary, Mbalula tried to clarify this apparent contradiction by distinguishing his views in relation to the party in general, as opposed to Mbete’s reference to the current situation.
“With regard to next year’s elections, the ANC will work very hard to not be in coalition with anyone. We are not in talks with anyone. We are very clear, we will run this country, through the mandate of the people. We are working for the ANC overwhelming majority. There is no consideration to coalition politics next year.” Mbalula said.
“Us reaching a majority is not a given, we have to work for it. Mbete was referring to coalitions as they are going right now at local elections, and she’s entitled to her own opinion. She was referring to the current situation. But our plan going forward is to win an overwhelming majority.”
The ANCWL is this weekend hosting the 13th National Conference in Nasrec, South of Johannesburg.
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