- Fikile Mbalula shared a photo on X of him embracing a disabled woman in a modest home, tagging it with #VoteANC2026
- The African National Congress Secretary-General said the party would always strive to create a better life for the poor
- South Africans flooded the comments section with sharp criticism directed at the party's 32-year governance record
Source: Twitter
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG — African National Congress Secretary General Fikile Mbalula drew significant online criticism after posting what appeared to be a campaign image ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Mbalula shared a photograph of himself embracing a disabled woman on crutches inside a modest home, surrounded by children, using the moment to articulate the party's stated commitment to South Africa's most vulnerable citizens.
Mbalula's message to the poor
In his post, tagged with #VoteANC2026, Mbalula wrote that he and the ANC wake up every day to fight for "the downtrodden, the poorest of the poor, the ones forgotten by society, the homeless, the old and disabled," so that they may "enjoy the fruits of our hard-fought democracy."
He added: "Myself and the ANC collective will always strive to achieve our historical mission, which is a BETTER LIFE FOR ALL. This is who we do it for."
South Africans push back against Mbalula's post
Rather than inspiring the intended goodwill, the post triggered a wave of scepticism from South Africans who questioned the sincerity of the outreach, given the ANC's uninterrupted governance since 1994.
@SalimMathomane wrote:
"You make people go through hell and come back as their saviour."
@IndunaRobb asked:
"Does it make you feel good throwing t-shirts from your G-wagon? Or is it the loaf of bread every four years?"
@southafrican pointed directly at the ANC's record in power, writing:
"'The ones forgotten by society.' Forgotten by whom, Mbaks? Asking for the government your party has run since 1994."
@visse_ss responded simply:
"You can't be serious, Mbalula."
@EarthOddysey was blunter still:
"The only thing you wake up for is your ego and your stomach."
Mbalula asks church to pray for ANC
Briefly News reported that Mbalula addressed members of St John's Apostolic Church in Katlehong, asking them for their votes.
The African National Congress Secretary-General also asked the church to forgive party members for their transgressions.
South Africans weighed in on Mbalula's comments, with many criticising the former Police Minister for his appeal.
Source: Briefly News
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