Cape Town – ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has condemned threats of violence against the Electoral Commission of South Africa, urging people to raise objections through appropriate channels instead.
Mbalula also dismissed any calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down, affirming the ANC’s support for him and stating that negotiations with political parties are ongoing to determine the way forward, with an announcement expected by Thursday.
“Cyril is a no-go area. You come to us with that demand, forget.
“Ramaphosa must resign? Why did he stand as a president? These are bad times.
[WATCH] “That is a no-go area,” ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula says the party will not compromise President Cyril Ramaphosa for any coalition partner. “It is never going to happen.”#Newzroom405 #BeyondTheBallot pic.twitter.com/plbm6Se0VV
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 2, 2024
“When we agreed at Nasrec, it even meant for occasions like this. You don’t run away,” he said.
Mbalula attributed the ANC’s poor election performance to low voter turnout, the water crisis in KZN, and load shedding.
He acknowledged that the MK party, led by Jacob Zuma, significantly impacted ANC strongholds, particularly in KZN, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng.
“(Jacob) Zuma was a factor at these elections and the emergence of MK,definitely.
“We never underestimated Zuma, we knew he would get support in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and KZN.
“That is why you all saw us on the ground. Our challenge was there. We spend a lot of time and resources,” he said. Mbalula acknowledged the MK party was a huge factor eating up support at ANC strongholds in KZN.
“We have lost even some of our strongholds to the MK. It looks like we were marching with Zuma machinery on the ground,” said Mbalula.
“We had to fight hard in these elections. Even our own research was pointing to 43%,” Mbalula said.
He said that the ANC plans to meet with opposition leaders to discuss forming new governments at the provincial and national levels, emphasizing that threats to democracy will not be tolerated.
Mbalula expressed gratitude to the IEC, party agents, observers, and security personnel for their roles in the election. He reiterated that the ANC is open to coalition talks with all parties.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
