ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has made headlines by suggesting that former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi could potentially join the African National Congress (ANC). Mbalula praised Ndlozi as a “good citizen” and a “good politician” during a media briefing where he addressed the reconfiguration of the party’s leadership in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
The speculation about Ndlozi’s potential move to the ANC began after he resigned from the EFF and was seen with a senior ANC leader in Clarens, Free State. This has raised questions about the party leveraging family ties with one of its leaders to bring Ndlozi on board. ANC leaders believe that figures like Ndlozi could bring energy and expertise to the party, especially after its loss of national support in the previous general elections.
Mbalula also commented on the EFF’s decision to remove Ndlozi from his position, stating that it reflects Julius Malema’s power and overconfidence. He emphasized that Ndlozi is not just a “small boy” in politics who can be easily removed from party structures. Mbalula’s support for disbanding the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provincial executive committees has sparked controversy, with critics suggesting it is a move to consolidate his power ahead of the party’s 2027 elective conference.
The ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) recently decided to reconfigure both provinces instead of dissolving them following last year’s election results. Mbalula defended this decision, stating that discussions within the NEC were robust due to differing views on the matter. He highlighted the need to unite the party and address factionalism that has arisen in discussions about the provinces’ future.
Despite facing criticism and being associated with unpopular decisions, Mbalula remains committed to his role as secretary general of the ANC. He emphasized that important discussions about the party’s future should not be overshadowed by personal ambitions or factional interests. Mbalula is expected to communicate the NEC’s decision on the reconfiguration of the provinces to ANC branches and regions in the coming days.
Overall, Mbalula’s comments and actions have stirred debate within the ANC and the political landscape in South Africa. The potential recruitment of Ndlozi and the reconfiguration of provincial leadership signal a period of change and renewal for the ANC as it navigates challenges and strives to regain public confidence. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the world, affecting millions of lives and disrupting economies across the globe. As countries continue to grapple with the spread of the virus, new variants have emerged, posing an even greater threat to public health.
One such variant, known as the Delta variant, has been causing concern among health officials due to its increased transmissibility and potential to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccines. First identified in India in December 2020, the Delta variant has since spread to more than 100 countries, including the United States.
The Delta variant is believed to be around 50% more transmissible than the Alpha variant, which was previously dominant in many countries. This means that it spreads more easily from person to person, leading to a higher number of cases and potentially overwhelming healthcare systems.
In addition to its increased transmissibility, the Delta variant has also been linked to more severe illness and hospitalizations. Studies have shown that individuals infected with the Delta variant are more likely to require hospitalization compared to those infected with other variants.
One of the most concerning aspects of the Delta variant is its ability to partially evade immunity from previous infections or vaccines. While vaccines have been shown to be effective against the Delta variant in preventing severe illness and death, breakthrough infections can still occur, especially among those who are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated.
To combat the spread of the Delta variant, health officials have emphasized the importance of vaccination and continued adherence to public health measures such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings. Booster shots have also been recommended for certain populations, such as healthcare workers and the elderly, to enhance immunity against the variant.
As the Delta variant continues to spread, it is crucial for countries to ramp up their vaccination efforts and implement targeted public health measures to prevent further transmission. By staying informed, following guidelines from health authorities, and taking necessary precautions, we can all do our part to slow the spread of the Delta variant and protect ourselves and our communities from the ongoing threat of COVID-19.
