In the wake of several public disputes among African National Congress (ANC) members, President Cyril Ramaphosa has once again stressed the importance of unity within the party. Addressing the recent online quarrel between ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula and party veteran Mavuso Msimang, Ramaphosa underscored the need for all members to work together towards the success of the ANC in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The recent spat involved accusations from Mbalula, alleging that Msimang accepted a bribe to join a new political party after resigning from the ANC. In response, Msimang expressed his dissatisfaction with how the secretary general has been leading the party. Despite Msimang withdrawing his resignation, Ramaphosa urged organizational unity.
Emphasizing a shared goal for the victory of the ANC, Ramaphosa stated, “There must be unity of purpose. There shouldn’t be those who pull aside.”
Ramaphosa’s Confidence in ANC’s Direction
During the party’s election manifesto review in Alberton, Ramaphosa affirmed his commitment to ensuring that the ANC fulfills its mandates and promises leading up to the 2024 general elections. Acknowledging mistakes made under his administration, he highlighted the ANC’s achievements in improving lives, particularly in areas such as electricity and water provision.
Despite criticism from detractors, Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the ANC’s trajectory, stating, “We do believe that we are on the right track. Much as our detractors would say the ANC is lost. Our structures at all levels shared with South Africans the progress that we have made, and we did not only share it among ourselves, we shared it with South Africans.”