ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula launched a scathing attack on his predecessor, Ace Magashule, blaming him for the rampant corruption and lack of service delivery that has plagued the Free State province for years.
During his visit to QwaQwa in the Free State on Saturday, Mbalula used Magashule as a campaign tool, highlighting the negative impact of his leadership on the region.
Mbalula accused Magashule of ruining everything in the Free State, including the ANC itself. He claimed that Magashule taught people that working for the ANC meant working for personal gain rather than serving the people.
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Mbalula also accused Magashule of encouraging corruption and stealing money for personal benefit.
Magashule, who served as Free State premier for years, was known for his strongman image and unwavering support within the ANC. However, he recently formed his own political party, African Congress for Transformation (ACT), which aims to challenge the ANC’s dominance.
Mbalula’s direct attack on Magashule is significant, considering that the former premier still enjoys support in the province.
Mbalula warned that anyone involved in corruption would be forced to step aside, citing the example of the asbestos tender corruption scandal in which Magashule is currently facing charges.
The ANC in the Free State has been marred by divisions caused by support for Magashule. The party recently expelled over 20 members who openly showed allegiance to Magashule and were accused of recruiting from within the ANC ranks for his new party.
This expulsion highlights the ongoing power struggle within the ANC and the impact it has on the province’s governance.
While addressing ANC members in QwaQwa, Mbalula acknowledged the party’s poor track record in governance and service delivery. He attributed the lack of progress to corruption and promised that things would change.
However, he also recognized that many people continued to vote for the ANC despite the apparent lack of improvement in their lives.
Fikile Mbalula emphasized the importance of distinguishing between corrupt individuals and ANC members who genuinely work for the betterment of the nation.
He stressed the need for basic services such as water, electricity, and infrastructure development, rather than extravagant projects that do not address the community’s immediate needs.
The QwaQwa community, like many other areas in the region, has been plagued by issues with water, electricity, and deteriorating road infrastructure for years. Mbalula’s visit aimed to address these concerns and assure citizens that the ANC is committed to rectifying the situation.
As the ANC gears up for upcoming elections, Mbalula’s criticism of Magashule serves as a reminder of the party’s internal struggles and the need for change. The ANC must regain the trust of the people by tackling corruption head-on and delivering on its promises of improved service delivery.
