By Akani Nkuna
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula says South Africa is “under siege,” accusing AfriForum of colluding with the United States government to spread false claims of a so-called white genocide in the country.
Speaking at a people’s march in Johannesburg on Saturday, Mbalula said the event marked the beginning of a broader effort to unite the nation.
Led by the ANC and its alliance partners, the march honoured victims of the Sharpeville Massacre while also commemorating 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution.
Addressing throngs of party supporters, Mbalula dismissed what he called persistent, unfounded allegations and stereotypes about a “white genocide,” describing South Africa as a peaceful country that belongs to all who live in it.
“There are lies being spread by the likes of Afriforum and others. Lies that white people are being killed in this country. Donald Trump had them assurances that they should go to America, only 49 car guards left our country and now they on their way back to because they can’t afford America. Those who sent them to America are having a good time here in South Africa, he didn’t follow them to America,” said Mbalula.
“This is a march to unite our people of South Africa to defend our sovereignty and democracy. The NEC of the ANC took a decision that we must not defend South Africa in boardrooms but take our people along.”
He urged South Africans to remain vigilant in defending the country against such narratives.
“South Africa will contribute to peaceful efforts in the world. Anyone who threatens our sovereignty, as a country, we will defend our sovereignty. Because we, the people of South Africa, believe in this country,” said Mbalula.
In rejecting claims amplified by Trump, Mbalula argued that farm murders affect both Black and white South Africans and should be treated as criminal acts rather than racially motivated incidents.
He also distanced the ANC from the “Kill the boer, kill the farmer” chant, saying it holds no relevance in contemporary politics and should not be used to justify calls for sanctions against South Africa.
“We will not sing that song as the ANC because there is no need to attack anyone because we have realised our freedom. Those who are singing it are singing it for themselves, but it means nothing,” he said.
Mbalula reiterated the party’s firm stance on implementing Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), saying the ANC would continue pursuing the policy to drive economic inclusion and job creation.
“What we want in this country is an equitable economy that serves all South Africans equally. What we want is a health system that serves all our people. Comrades, there will be no retreat on Black Economic Empowerment,” he said.
“What we are discussing in this country is, after 30 years of our democracy, how do we make our economy work for all our people? That is what we want — an economy that creates jobs.”
Turning to football, Mbalula criticised a reported decision by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board to strip Senegal of a continental title and award it to Morocco, calling the move a “scandal.”
He urged CAF president Patrice Motsepe to ensure integrity within the organisation, warning against decisions that undermine fair competition.
“It is a scandal and it must be rejected by all of us. Senegal are the champions of Africa in football, and we give it to them, not Morocco. We are not anti-Motsepe, but he must pull up his socks. Injustice cannot happen in front of him,” he said.
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