African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has come under fire on social media after a video surfaced in which he claimed to have welcomed former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members back to the ruling party.
Mbalula’s remarks were made during an address to the community of Merafong on Sunday, where he expressed gratitude for the return of these members and suggested that more would follow suit.
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In the video, Mbalula stated, “Let’s thank our comrades who have come back to the ANC from that lost party called the EFF.
“We thank you for choosing the ANC over other parties. We appreciate your political reasons for returning to the ANC. You have given us insight into your decision, and we welcome you with open arms.”
Footage shared on Mbalula’s social media page shows individuals exchanging their EFF T-shirts for ANC ones while singing and dancing in celebration of their return to “the glorious movement”.
However, EFF leaders and members have criticized Mbalula, pointing to video evidence that shows these individuals picking up EFF T-shirts from a white BMW before entering the hall. The EFF Gauteng branch responded to the incident, stating, “Desperate times call for desperate action.”
While they acknowledged that one of the individuals in the crowd was a former PR councillor of the EFF, they clarified that this councillor was one of the 62 who was expelled from the party in October after its 10th anniversary celebration.
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They further emphasized that no other members of the EFF in the West Rand had expressed dissatisfaction with the organization.
Defending the exchange of EFF T-shirts for ANC ones, a new ANC member explained that it was merely a symbolic gesture to signify their departure from the party. She stated, “The issue of the T-shirts was just a symbol to say we are leaving the party.”
It is clear that Mbalula’s claims have sparked controversy and raised questions about the authenticity of the individuals who supposedly returned to the ANC. The EFF has accused the ANC of attempting to undermine their election efforts by falsely claiming that EFF members are defecting to the ruling party.
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While it is important to note that one expelled EFF councillor was present at the event, the EFF maintains that this does not indicate a broader dissatisfaction among its members. The ANC’s eagerness to claim former EFF members joining their ranks suggests a strategic move to gain political advantage in the upcoming elections.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for political parties to engage in fair and transparent practices. Accurate representation and honest discourse are vital for building trust among voters and ensuring a democratic process.
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[WATCH] Today we welcomed to our glorious movement a number of former EFF members who chose to come home. We welcome them and believe they will positively contribute at the basic unit of our movement, the branch.#ANCAtWork #VOTEANC pic.twitter.com/3GvBirLzxt
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) December 10, 2023
[WATCH] We thank our comrades who have come back home to the ANC, and we say welcome back maqabane. #ANCAtWork pic.twitter.com/7Jm42mUQS5
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) December 10, 2023
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