By Akani Nkuna
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula says the party is preparing mass political and civil action against what it describes as “imperialist and unilateral” governments whose conduct threatens South Africa’s sovereignty — singling out the United States as persistently hostile on what he called “unfounded” grounds.
Mbalula was speaking on Thursday during the ANC’s post–National Executive Committee (NEC) Lekgotla briefing, where he outlined key outcomes and resolutions adopted at the meeting held from 24 to 26 January.
He said the responsibilities enshrined in the Constitution must remain the benchmark for South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy.
“The ANC will intensify mass organising and mobilisation to defend South Africa as a sovereign constitutional democracy,” Mbalula said.
“Our Constitution is a product of struggle and popular will, and no foreign state or external interest has the right to undermine or infringe upon the sovereignty of the South African people.”
He said the ANC would organise simultaneous marches across the country to deliver a unified and unmistakable national message.
“The movement will reaffirm through this mass action that popular participation is the foundation of constitutional democracy and assert that South Africa’s sovereignty belongs to its people and will be defended through their organised and conscious action,” he said.
The march is planned for 21 March, which Mbalula described as a deliberate and defiant show of posture, warning that South Africa would not “bend its knees” or be “bullied” amid recent assertions by the Donald Trump-led administration that the country’s sovereignty is under siege.
Mbalula accused Trump of behaving like a “world policeman”, seeking to unilaterally influence global affairs in favour of US interests while disregarding established international diplomatic channels.
“In defence of our sovereignty, which is under attack, we are marching against imperialist aggression that seeks to dictate what must happen to other states,” he said.
“We are marching against unilateralism and the undermining of multilateral forums.”
He expressed concern that despite South Africa’s restraint and diplomatic decorum in managing its strained relationship with the US, the Trump administration had further intensified its isolation of the country — including moves to exclude South Africa from G20 processes — describing the situation as a form of “cold war” between the two states.
Beyond foreign policy, Mbalula said the Lekgotla had also focused on the ANC’s renewal agenda, aimed at salvaging the party’s relevance both as a liberation movement and as a governing party.
He acknowledged that renewal must be comprehensive and sustained over the long term if the party is to regain lost support and rebuild its traditional strongholds.
“Renewal must be visible in leadership conduct, deployment practices, internal culture and the quality of services rendered to communities,” he said.
“The credibility of the movement depends on its ability to live its values in practice, lead by example and earn public trust through visionary, servant, capable, ethical and effective leadership.”
Mbalula further conceded that the party continues to face persistent challenges, particularly youth unemployment.
He said the Lekgotla underscored the urgency of accelerating job creation while reinforcing the importance of the social wage to support households, alongside continued investment in education, transport and healthcare.
He also reiterated the ANC’s recommitment to addressing high levels of crime, which he said undermine economic growth and destabilise communities.
“The Lekgotla further resolved to intensify the crackdown on illegal mining operations, including zama-zamas, whose activities terrorise communities, destroy infrastructure, undermine the rule of law and endanger lives,” Mbalula said.
“A coordinated, intelligence-led response involving law enforcement, border management and mining regulators will be intensified.”
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