ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula has called on ANC members to unite and emerge victorious after the much-anticipated national general elections this year.
Mbalula was addressing thousands of ANC supporters at the Eisleben sports ground in Botlokwa during the mass funeral of five ANC members who died after their bus was involved in an accident on their way to the celebrate 112 years of the ruling party’s existence at Mbombela stadium in Mpumalanga during the January 8 statement.
The funeral was attended ANC Treasurer General Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, Premier Stan Mathabatha , ANC Provincial Secretary Reuben Madadzhe, ANC Peter Mokaba Regional Chairperson John Makoro Mpe, Health MEC Poppy Ramathuba, ANCYL Provincial Chairperson Tonny Rachoene, ANCWL Provincial Chairperson Mamedufo Teffo, SACP provincial spokesperson Charley Nkadimeng and other dignitaries.
He urged ANC members to honour their fallen comrades by ensuring that they win the elections as well as protecting the revolutionary movement which emancipated the masses from all forms of depression.
Mbalula said he finds it disingenuous when ANC rivals claim the ruling party has not transformed the lives of the people after being marginalised by the apartheid regime. “You must never be confused by these parties which are trying by all means to destroy the ANC. We will defend the ANC and President Cyril Ramaphosa who works tirelessly. I enjoy working with him because he is a consummate leader," said Mbalula who urged ANC members to refrain from plotting and fighting for positions.
“Our real fight is to ensure that we win the elections and defend the ANC. We must remain united against all odds. The ANC has proved that it is still alive. You must win in honour of our comrades who died as disciplined volunteers of the ANC. On behalf of the ANC NEC, we send our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. We filled Mbombela stadium and capacitated it. Some of our comrades could not even manage to enter the stadium because it was full. Our rivals now know that the ANC is the liberation movement that is loved by the masses.”
As expected Mbalula took a swipe at former president Jacob Zuma of uMkhonto weSizwe party who was lambasted for political opportunism by the family of the late Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane following reports doing the rounds in various social media platforms that he wants to visit his grave site with his MK cronies.
“I don’t want to be fingered for talking about fire pools…but we haven’t done anything to Zuma. The ANC did not do anything to former president Zuma. Even president Ramaphosa didn’t do anything to him. We must allow President Ramaphosa to lead the ANC and the country peacefully and finish his term. Although we remain perplexed, we must however focus on accelerating ANC programs, such as our manifesto and winning the elections,” said Mbalula.
Earlier when Mathabatha introduced Mbalula to address the ANC members who attended the funeral dismissed allegations that he had joined the ranks with Zuma who was barred by the IEC from contesting Ramaphosa because he has a criminal record.
Mathabatha assured ANC members that he will never join Zuma’s MK party, cementing that he will support the ANC until he dies.
Mbalula thrilled the crowd when he told Mathabatha to forget about his scandal of defying Limpopo PEC by chanting amabhubesi slogan and supported Ramaphosa’s rival, disgraced former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize. Mathabatha’s conduct perplexed ANC supporters in Limpopo who labelled him a sell-out. “Don’t worry comrade Stan amabhubesi… You are not the only one, I also contested with comrade Gwede Mantashe and lost. Today I'm the SG of the ANC...I know you won’t join mekete ya dikatse(reffering to Zuma’s MK party,” Mbalula.
He also thanked the ANC PEC led by Mathabatha and Madadzhe , Polokwane Executive Mayor Mpe with ANC Peter Mokaba Regional leaders, ANC supporters, Botlokwa community and tribal authority leadership for ensuring that the funeral of their comrades is successful.
Mbalula singled out Mpe for his outstanding work and contribution. “You are a consummate leader and comrade who works tirelessly. You practice what you sermonise by working as a foot soldier and disciplined comrade. You are a good example of a comrade who respects the organisation and the people,” said Mbalula.
Earlier, Mpe asked for ANC members to honour the memory and sacrifices of their fallen comrades annually. “They died wearing their boosts. Their branches and the leadership of the ANC must honour them during this time every year,” Mpe said.
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula with ANCYL provincial chairperson Tonny Rachoene at the funeral of 5 ANC fallen comrades at the Eisleben sports ground in Botlokwa.
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