ANC leaders are outraged after discovering Fikile Mbalula formed a secret team to negotiate with the DA on budget matters. The unauthorized group, which included Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and David Makhura, operated alongside the official negotiating team led by Mdumiseni Ntuli. This created confusion with the DA, who mistook Mbalula’s team for presidential representatives. ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe described himself as “livid” about being excluded. The incident reveals deeper divisions within the party’s leadership structure.
Anger erupted among top African National Congress (ANC) leaders after discovering that Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula had formed a secret negotiating team without their knowledge. The revelation came during a weekend meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC), leaving many members visibly frustrated and questioning the party’s internal communication.
Mbalula’s secret team included Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, former MP Nkenke Kekana, former Gauteng Premier David Makhura, and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. The group was tasked with securing Democratic Alliance (DA) support for the budget passage, operating in the shadows while an official team led by Mdumiseni Ntuli was already handling the same responsibility.
The duplicate efforts created confusion within the negotiation process, with the DA reportedly mistaking Mbalula’s team as representatives of the Presidency. This misunderstanding complicated talks at a time when clear communication was essential for the ANC’s political strategy.
“Livid” was the word used by ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe to describe his reaction to Mbalula’s unauthorized initiative. Ntuli, who headed the official negotiation team, accused the secretary-general of undermining the process he had been officially assigned to lead.
The secret team’s formation also excluded deputy leaders like Forestry Minister Nomvula Mokonyane and Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. Their exclusion has reignited previous tensions about being sidelined in important party decisions.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly growing impatient not only with the DA’s negotiation tactics but also with the internal discord plaguing his own party. Sources close to the president suggest he’s concerned about how these divisions might affect governance during this critical coalition period.
The clumsy strategy has portrayed the ANC as disorganized to external partners. DA negotiators were left confused about which communication channels were official, potentially weakening the ANC’s bargaining position during budget talks.
Party veterans have expressed concern that such internal maneuvering shows a lack of discipline within the organization’s ranks. “When different teams negotiate without coordinating, we send mixed messages to potential partners,” noted one senior party member who requested anonymity.
The revelation has sparked debates about proper protocols within the party. Some NEC members have called for clearer guidelines on who can represent the ANC in critical negotiations with other political parties. Mbalula defended his actions by citing his authority as secretary-general and insisted he was utilizing every possible avenue to benefit the party during negotiations.
The budget disagreement centers primarily on the DA’s opposition to the VAT increase, while other parties have expressed support for maintaining critical social grants and safety nets for vulnerable South Africans.
As the dust settles on this internal conflict, the ANC faces the challenge of presenting a united front while steering through South Africa’s new era of coalition politics. The party’s ability to resolve these internal communication issues may determine its effectiveness in the complex political landscape that has emerged since the recent elections.
Conclusion
The ANC’s top leaders remain deeply frustrated with Mbalula’s actions. His unauthorized budget talks have created tension within the party at a critical time. Party officials say they’ll address these issues in upcoming meetings to prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, the public awaits an official response from President Ramaphosa. The controversy highlights ongoing power struggles within South Africa’s ruling party as they face mounting economic challenges.
