Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), has slammed alleged pressure from US officials linked to President Trump, saying they've asked the ANC to scrap key redress policies - including Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws. Speaking at a branch general meeting of Ward 106 on Sunday, Mbalula made it crystal clear: the ANC won't budge on transformation policies. He recounted telling these "Americans of President Trump", "You are asking us to close shop — you are saying we must kill redress, you are saying we must cede power to the DA — they must then be in charge, we are not them."
Mbalula stressed that participating in the Government of National Unity (GNU) doesn't mean abandoning the ANC's core principles of radical socio-economic transformation. He referenced defending acts like the Bela Act, emphasizing the ANC will "fight for what is right". The ANC is in the GNU with other parties after slumping to 40% in the 2024 elections; Mbalula insists this won't dilute transformation goals. The party's stance reflects ongoing debates about balancing transformation goals with coalition governance in South Africa's evolving political landscape.
The ANC remains committed to addressing issues of redress and empowerment, including women's economic participation and leadership. Mbalula has separately reaffirmed the ANC's commitment to addressing women's oppression, celebrating women's roles in leadership and economy.
Additionally, there have been internal ANC dynamics involving criticisms of caucus members leaking information related to the GNU and partnerships with other political parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA). The ANC's position underscores its intent to uphold its transformation agenda amidst political negotiations and external pressures.
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