By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 January 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it has noted with concern certain misleading narratives surrounding the mode of transport utilised by the Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, during the recent visit to Robben Island as part of the ANC’s 113th anniversary commemorations.

This comes after media reports suggesting that Mbalula shocked ANC top brass by snubbing a ferry and taking a luxury yacht, instead to an event marking the party’s 113th anniversary. According to Sunday Times newspaper, Mbalula stunned the party’s leaders at its 113th birthday bash in Cape Town when he rocked up at Robben Island in a flashy power yacht that belongs to a Cape Town businessman with government contracts.

However, the party categorically rejected the misrepresentation that Mbalula’s transport choice was an indulgence in luxury.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said that was an operational decision guided solely by practical and logistical considerations to ensure the efficient execution of a tightly packed programme. Bhengu-Motsiri said Mbalula had an intense schedule on the day, which began in Robben Island, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of Songezo Mjongile, a regional cake-cutting ceremony and multiple stakeholder engagements.

“Every engagement required precise coordination to ensure that all obligations were met without delay or disruption. To suggest that such logistical decisions were anything other than necessary is to wilfully ignore the realities of a demanding leadership role during a historic occasion.

“There was no unethical conduct or undue benefit derived from these arrangements. The businessman in question is a reputable, above-board entrepreneur, whose relationship with the ANC is limited to being a stakeholder, as is the case with many other legitimate partners who share in the goal of building a better South Africa,” she said.

Bhengu-Motsiri further said there is also a need to acknowledge the apparent coordinated effort to discredit the ANC by painting its stakeholders and associates in a negative light. She added that this growing trend seeks to delegitimise lawful partnerships between the ANC and credible business people, relationships that remain essential in driving forward the socio-economic transformation agenda.

“The ANC will continue to defend and foster these partnerships, as they are critical to achieving the goals of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR). The ANC remains resolute in its mission to address the socio-economic challenges facing our country.

“Reflecting on the overwhelming success of the January 8 Statement rally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Khayelitsha and the Western Cape for their enthusiasm, and unwavering support,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.

She said the rally demonstrated once again the deep bond between the ANC and the people it serves, and it symbolised a renewed commitment to unity and progress. Bhengu-Motsiri said in line with this renewed commitment, they proudly declare 2025 to be: “The Year of Renewal to Make the ANC a More Effective Instrument of the People to Achieve the Vision of the Freedom Charter: The People Shall Govern! The People Shall Share in the Country’s Wealth!”

“This declaration reflects the ANC’s ongoing dedication to renewing and revitalising itself to better serve the people of South Africa.

“We call on all South Africans to join hands with us in this mission to make the ANC a stronger, more responsive movement that is truly reflective of the people’s aspirations,” she said.

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