By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The PGC will be discussing key issues affecting the organization, service delivery, and the economy.
According to the ANC Constitution Rule 18, the PGC plays a vital role in shaping the party’s direction and addressing challenges. With the National General Council (NGC) on the horizon, this meeting is expected to pave the way for meaningful resolutions and a stronger ANC in Mpumalanga, according to Mpumalanga PEC chair Mandla Ndlovu.
Mbalula admitted that the organisation ‘has not done well’, and urged leaders to reconnect with grassroots structures.
He emphasised that NEC members must engage directly with branches to understand their challenges and rebuild the party’s strength from the ground up.
ANC lost its parliamentary majority in a historic election result that puts South Africa on a new political path for the first time since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule 30 years ago.
Mbalula also criticised South African Communist Party (SACP) decision to contest the upcoming elections independently.
“Leave comrades of the SACP to talk. After they finish, we correct them with a red pen,” he said to applause.
“Even if they disrespect us, we don’t haul visitors. We will correct them because the ANC is a vanguard. When you are older, you are not deterred by small things (referring to the SACP). The ANC is like a car with shock absorbers – it can handle rough roads even those without a tar. The ANC is not shaken.”
Mbalula said that the ANC still wants the SACP to remain within the tripartite alliance, alongside Cosatu.
He also addressed remarks made by ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, who last month criticised councillors for lacking capacity during Rollcall at FNB Stadium in Gauteng.
“So, comrades, that thing Gwede said about you being good at singing but having no capacity – I know it didn’t sit well. We have apologised for it,” Mbalula said.
“Tomorrow we don’t want to hear that ANC members don’t understand politics or that they hauled the Communist Party at their platform.”
Meanwhile billionaire Patrice Motsepe has clarified rumours that he may replace, President Cyril Ramaphosa, in the ANC.
He confirmed that him being “conservative”, he would always be a member of the ANC, though he appreciates all political parties of the country.
However, he had no plans to enter politics.
“I love people who say that South Africa does not need a rich man to be president. They are so correct. Absolutely correct. Being president of a country, it’s sacrosanct. Sacrosanct. It’s holy. I love challenges. But I also know the sort of challenges I shouldn’t waste my time with.
He further jokingly told the audience he agreed with Mbalula’s remarks on politics and football.
Motsepe said he does not have to be in politics to make a contribution to the country.
“You obviously haven’t heard what Fikile Mbalula said about football and politics. And I agree with him. But whatever you do in life, it’s got to be something that excites you, something that you are passionate about.”
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of MYANC.