The African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has publicly denied allegations suggesting that the ruling party is manipulating the National Dialogue process to preserve its hold on power in South Africa. The statement was made during a press briefing at the ANC’s OR Tambo Regional Conference held in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, on Monday.
These accusations stem largely from the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), which has not only withdrawn from the ongoing National Dialogue but also accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of double standards—alleging that while a DA-affiliated deputy minister was dismissed, ANC ministers facing corruption allegations remain protected.
The DA is reportedly weighing its options, including filing a motion of no confidence against President Ramaphosa. In response, Mbalula strongly dismissed these claims and reasserted that the National Dialogue was neither initiated nor driven by the ANC.
National Dialogue: A Civil Society Initiative
“There is no such a thing,” Mbalula stated. “The National Dialogue was proposed by civil society and supported by all stakeholders, including the ANC. It is not a mechanism to capture or manipulate the people of South Africa.”
He further emphasized that the initiative is being led by the South African government in collaboration with multiple civil society organizations, not under the leadership or control of the ANC. “It is a South African thing, and not an ANC project,” he reiterated.
DA Criticisms and ANC’s Response
The Democratic Alliance’s claims include accusations of bias and political targeting. The party maintains that Ramaphosa’s dismissal of one of their deputy ministers contrasts sharply with his alleged inaction against corrupt ANC officials. The perceived injustice has fueled growing calls within the DA for decisive opposition actions, including a motion of no confidence in the president’s leadership.
However, the ANC’s response has been unwavering. Mbalula stated unequivocally that the ruling party will not “tolerate the DA’s threats.” He characterized the DA’s statements as false narratives aimed at destabilizing democratic processes for political gain.
“It’s a false pronunciation that has been made by the DA. This dialogue is about the interests of the people of South Africa, and not about partisan politics,” said Mbalula.
The Role of the National Dialogue in South African Politics
The National Dialogue has been positioned as a forum for inclusive political discussion, peacebuilding, and collaborative policymaking. Initiated in response to escalating political tensions and public dissatisfaction, it aims to bring together diverse voices from civil society, religious groups, opposition parties, and government institutions.
While the ANC is a participant in the process, civil society leaders and observers argue that the dialogue is not controlled by any one entity. According to sources from the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the dialogue’s structure ensures transparency and balance through participation by all recognized political actors.
Political Tensions Ahead of 2026 Elections
The recent controversy arrives amid rising political tensions as South Africa heads towards its 2026 general elections. The ANC, which has ruled since the end of apartheid, faces increasing scrutiny over issues such as corruption, unemployment, and service delivery failures.
The DA, seeking to position itself as a viable alternative, has sharpened its rhetoric and used platforms like the National Dialogue to spotlight what it sees as governance failures by the ruling party.
Observers note that while political contests are expected in any democracy, the integrity of platforms like the National Dialogue must be preserved to protect democratic norms and citizen engagement.
Conclusion
Fikile Mbalula’s remarks serve as a firm denial of accusations that the ANC is leveraging the National Dialogue to entrench its power. The broader implication of this discourse reflects the heightened political climate in South Africa, where dialogue, transparency, and public trust are all being put to the test.
Whether the National Dialogue will serve as a unifying platform or a battleground for partisan accusations remains to be seen. For now, South Africans are watching closely as political dynamics continue to shift in the lead-up to a pivotal election year.
Watch: Mbalula speaks to the media after ANC’s OR Tambo Regional Conference
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This post By: News Desk
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