Mbalula: I won’t resign unless the ANC tells me to
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has refused to resign despite calls from within the party for his removal over the failure to submit councillor candidate lists to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Mbalula stated that the ANC had submitted the lists, but the IEC only recorded 3% due to technical issues in the Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. He criticized his detractors for demanding his resignation before receiving a formal report from the ANC's electoral committee chair, Kgalema Motlanthe, arguing that such actions lacked objectivity. Mbalula emphasized that any disciplinary action would be decided by the ANC, not himself, and warned that critics were using the issue as a political tool to portray the ANC as inefficient and disorganized.
Local elections 2026: ‘Irreparable’ tensions cloud ANC regional secretary’s exit as Ekurhuleni mayoral race heats up Ekurhuleni Finance MMC and ANC Regional Secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi has resigned from his party position for the second time, reportedly due to irreparable tensions with mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, both of whom are vying for the mayoral position in the upcoming municipal elections. His resignation comes as the ANC prepares to announce its mayoral candidates in September ahead of the November elections. Dlabathi initially resigned as regional secretary in February, citing political tensions, but was urged by the ANC’s national and provincial structures to stay in the role. This time, however, the party has accepted his resignation. Sources within the ANC in Ekurhuleni indicated that Dlabathi decided to step down so he could focus on his duties in government. “The tensions between him and Xhakaza are irreparable, despite continued intervention by party structures,” a source said. “He felt it’s best he removes himself from party matters to focus more on his work in government.” Dlabathi’s decision has been interpreted as a strategic move within the ANC as the mayoral contest intensifies. In a letter to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, Dlabathi stated he had considered whether to remain a full-time regional secretary or pursue other employment. He opted to relinquish the full-time party responsibility while staying in his municipal position. “Having applied my mind on the options to either remain full time as a regional secretary or other employment, I thus wish to inform the secretary-general that I have opted to recuse myself from the full-time responsibility of the regional secretary, thus opting to remain within my municipal responsibility,” he wrote. Dlabathi had previously mentioned this intention during the mayoral candidate interview process, requesting release from the regional secretary position effective from the end of August 2026. Mbalula confirmed the ANC had accepted his resignation. The decision followed a directive from the ANC’s National Executive Committee in May requiring all regional secretaries to serve full time, in line with Rule 21.5.3 of the ANC constitution. Mbalula noted the directive left no room for exceptions. “The directive of 29 May 2026 accordingly required every regional secretary holding employment elsewhere, within thirty (30) days, either to resign from that employment or to resign as regional secretary,” he said. “The National Executive Committee placed the question beyond further debate and directed that no indulgence be granted and no exception be permitted.” Mbalula expressed appreciation for Dlabathi’s service to the ANC and the Ekurhuleni region. Meanwhile, tensions within the ANC continue to mount. Mbalula has faced calls for his resignation over the party’s failure to submit all its councillor candidates to the Electoral Commission of South Africa. Despite submitting the list, only 3% were captured due to technical glitches in the Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal. Mbalula denied wrongdoing, stating he would resign only if instructed to do so. “If I did something wrong, I will be the first to admit it. If the ANC says steps must be taken because I’m wrong, that will be the decision of the ANC. It’s not my decision,” he said. Some within the party have accused Mbalula of undermining the ANC’s credibility, using the list issue as a campaign tool. Mbalula warned against such tactics, suggesting they reflected a lack of objectivity and political bias. As the ANC finalizes its mayoral candidates, internal divisions persist, complicating efforts to unify the party ahead of the elections.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has refused to resign despite calls from within the party for his removal over the failure to submit councillor candidate lists to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Mbalula stated that the ANC had submitted the lists, but the IEC only recorded 3% due to technical issues in the Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. He criticized his detractors for demanding his resignation before receiving a formal report from the ANC's electoral committee chair, Kgalema Motlanthe, arguing that such actions lacked objectivity. Mbalula emphasized that any disciplinary action would be decided by the ANC, not himself, and warned that critics were using the issue as a political tool to portray the ANC as inefficient and disorganized.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both Mbalula's position and the criticisms from within the ANC without overtly favoring either side. The language remains neutral, quoting directly from Mbalula's statements and describing the internal party dynamics objectively. There is no clear ideological framing or biased d
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports Mbalula's statement that he will not resign unless the ANC demands it. It provides details about the submission of councillor lists and mentions specific provinces affected. However, it does not include direct quotes from the IEC or official statements confirming the 3
Why objectivity (75): The tone is somewhat critical of Mbalula's critics, suggesting they are acting unobjectively. While it presents both sides (Mbalula's defense and the criticism from within the ANC), there is a slight bias toward portraying the critics as overly harsh.
Ekurhuleni Finance MMC and ANC Regional Secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi resigned from his party position for the second time, reportedly due to irreparable tensions with mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, both vying for the mayoral position. His resignation comes ahead of the ANC's announcement of mayoral candidates in September 2026. Dlabathi previously resigned in February but was encouraged to stay by ANC leadership. This time, the ANC accepted his resignation, allowing him to focus on his municipal duties. Dlabathi stated his decision aligns with his earlier commitment during the mayoral candidate interview process, and the ANC National Executive Committee mandated that regional secretaries must serve full time, leading to this outcome.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual developments regarding internal ANC politics without overtly favoring any particular faction. It reports on Dlabathi's resignation and the implications for the mayoral race, providing quotes from multiple sources within the ANC. While the situation involves significant党内
Why factuality (85): The article provides specific details about Dlabathi's resignation, including dates, roles, and internal ANC sources. These claims align with the general consensus found in other articles covering the same event. However, some statements like 'irreparable' tensions are subjective and not explicitly
Why objectivity (75): The article presents the information in a relatively neutral manner, though phrases such as 'sacrifices himself' imply a certain interpretation of Dlabathi's motives. The tone remains mostly factual but contains slight editorializing in describing motivations.
The article titled 'Mbhazima Shilowa | Morero swears, Mantashe berates: ANC’s campaign of own goals' appears to focus on internal tensions within the African National Congress (ANC), particularly highlighting criticism from figures like Morero and Mantashe towards the party's leadership under Fikile Mbalula. The piece references a media briefing by Mbalula and Mahlengi Bhengu at Chief Albert Luthuli House. However, the content provided does not include substantial information about the specific allegations or actions being discussed, nor does it provide detailed context or quotes from the involved parties. The article seems to be part of a broader narrative criticizing the ANC's internal management and strategic direction.
Bias read (Progressive): The headline suggests a critical stance toward the ANC's leadership, implying mismanagement or poor strategy. The use of terms like 'campaign of own goals' implies a negative assessment of the party's actions, which aligns with a left-leaning perspective that often critiques ruling parties for ineff
Why factuality (60): This article lacks substantial content beyond a headline and a brief mention of Mbalula and Bhengu briefing the media. There is no detailed information about the event, the submission of lists, or any specific claims made by Mbalula. As such, it cannot be assessed for factual accuracy.
Why objectivity (55): The article appears to be incomplete or placeholder text, with sections like 'Share your Subscriber Article' and 'Start your FREE trial now' indicating it may not be fully published or is a draft. This lack of substance affects its objectivity assessment.
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