By Thapelo Molefe
African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has moved to clarify tensions within coalition governments, particularly between the ANC and the Patriotic Alliance (PA), insisting that “each political party is autonomous” and that the ruling party has no authority to dictate how its partners conduct their internal affairs.
Speaking at a media briefing on Saturday on the sidelines of the ANC’s special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg, Mbalula said the ANC remains committed to stable coalition arrangements, but stressed that alliances must be based on respect and mutual independence.
“Just to be clear, each political party is autonomous. And when you get into a coalition, as per the outcome of the elections, you don’t get into a coalition with the people of your choosing,” Mbalula said.
His remarks come amid heightened tension within coalition-led municipalities, particularly in Johannesburg, where disagreements over appointments and internal decisions have strained relations between the ANC and its partners.
The recent friction between the ANC and PA was triggered by controversy surrounding Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene’s resignation as Johannesburg MMC for Roads and Transport.
Kunene stepped down in July after facing intense public scrutiny over his links to businessman Katiso Molefe, who is accused in a string of criminal cases, including the murder of DJ Sumbody.
He said he resigned voluntarily to allow for an investigation, which was initiated by his own party. The PA later commissioned law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr to conduct an independent probe, which cleared Kunene of any wrongdoing.
However, when the PA attempted to reinstate Kunene or appoint another representative to the Roads and Transport portfolio, ANC leaders in Johannesburg, including Mayor Dada Morero, resisted the move. The ANC had reportedly promised the position to another coalition partner, the IFP, following pressure from the EFF in Ekurhuleni.
This deepened tensions, prompting PA leader Gayton McKenzie to accuse the ANC of “bad faith” and “disrespect,” and to announce plans to withdraw the PA from all governing coalitions.
After urgent talks between ANC and PA leaders this week, including a high-level meeting attended by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and PA deputy president Kunene, the two parties resolved their dispute.
Kunene confirmed that the PA would remain in the GNU, describing the engagement as constructive and saying both parties had reached “common ground”.
Mbalula defended the PA’s internal decisions and said the ANC had no intention of interfering.
“The PA have taken steps in relation to what has befallen them as a party, and have made that matter public, and have made changes…” he said.
“We… don’t believe that they should leave on the basis of what is happening in Johannesburg, because that matter must be resolved.”
The secretary-general was adamant that the ANC would not attempt to “call shots” for other parties, emphasising that coalition politics required compromise and patience.
“So, the ANC cannot call shots, that’s what I’ve explained,” Mbalula told reporters.
Beyond coalition issues, the NEC’s three-day meeting is focused on the party’s renewal agenda and preparations for the 2026 local government elections.
Mbalula said the ANC was determined to ensure that candidates selected to represent the party at municipal level are vetted thoroughly and chosen based on integrity and performance rather than factional ties.
“Candidates must emerge from community consultations, undergo rigorous vetting and be assessed not by factional loyalties, but by their integrity, their record of service and their ability to deliver,” he said.
The ANC is expected to announce major interventions in local government following growing public frustration over poor service delivery, corruption, and internal infighting in several municipalities.
“We will be making changes in local government when it comes to ineptness and leadership at the level of local government, across all provinces,” Mbalula said.
Turning to the economy, Mbalula said the NEC recognised that unemployment remained “the single greatest threat to our democracy”.
He added that President Cyril Ramaphosa would soon unveil an economic action plan aimed at stabilising growth and creating jobs.
The ANC is expected to conclude its NEC meeting this weekend and release resolutions outlining the party’s priorities and accountability mechanisms.
“The ANC will announce the resolutions and action plans following the meeting. For now we assure the people of South Africa, the ANC hears you,” Mbalula concluded.
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