Fikile Mbalula

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has launched a fierce attack on the Trump administration in the United States, accusing it of “displaying fascist characteristics and reinforcing outdated racist ideologies”. Speaking at the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) national congress in Boksburg on Wednesday, Mbalula also reaffirmed South Africa’s strong support for Palestine and urged the creation of a fair, multilateral global order where all nations are treated equally.

Mbalula Slams Trump Administration’s Legacy

Mbalula’s speech was a bold critique of the Trump era, which he described as a driving force behind “neocolonialism and modern-day imperialism”. He warned of a worrying rise in ultra-right governments across the world, fueled by what he called fascist tendencies and a desire to bring back “racist tendencies of the past”. “These forces are the architects of neocolonialism and modern-day imperialism, focused on entrenching racial inequality and undermining human solidarity, all while fueling warmongering and ethnic cleansing,” he told delegates.

He pointed to the Trump administration’s actions as a key example, accusing it of replacing diplomacy with disinformation and pursuing “unchecked greed and the relentless pursuit of commercial interests at any cost”. This comes amid strained relations between South Africa and the US, worsened by the recent decision to expel South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool. The move, seen as a reaction to South Africa’s vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, has deepened tensions between the two countries.

Mbalula also took aim at the US for its repeated use of veto power in the United Nations Security Council to protect Israel. “The world will not forget that the United States has used its veto power in the United Nations Security Council 48 times over the years to block any effort to hold Israel accountable for its illegal actions and violations of international law,” he said. “Yet, everyone else around us and across the globe must be held accountable.”

Unwavering Support for Palestine

The ANC leader reiterated South Africa’s firm stance on the Palestinian cause, highlighting the country’s bold move to take Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its actions in Gaza. “We have unequivocally pledged our solidarity with the people of Palestine and took the unprecedented step of holding the apartheid Israeli regime accountable at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza and against the Palestinian people as a whole,” Mbalula said.

This stance aligns with South Africa’s long history of supporting oppressed nations, drawing parallels to its own struggle against apartheid. The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced many more, has put global attention on the issue. South Africa’s decision to approach the ICJ has been praised by some as a courageous stand against injustice, though it has also drawn criticism from Israel’s allies, including the US.

Mbalula contrasted the treatment of Israel with that of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faces international charges over human rights violations in Ukraine. “If you look at the situation between Ukraine and Russia, what happened to President Putin? He has been declared persona non grata and is facing charges related to human rights violations, while others are exonerated,” he said. “This is the hypocrisy we’re talking about.”

Push for a Multilateral Global Order

Mbalula called for a shift away from a world dominated by one power towards a multilateral system where all nations have an equal say. “We strive for peaceful coexistence among nations that respect each other’s sovereignty in a multipolar, rules-based world order, where multilateralism is prioritised over unilateralism,” he said. He accused the current global system of allowing one state to act as “the world’s self-appointed policeman”, imposing its will on others.

This vision reflects South Africa’s broader foreign policy goals, which prioritise solidarity with developing nations and a rejection of unilateral actions by powerful countries. Mbalula’s remarks come at a time when global alliances are shifting, with rising tensions between major powers and growing calls for reform of institutions like the United Nations.

Domestic Context and the DENOSA Congress

Mbalula’s address to DENOSA, a union representing South Africa’s nurses, also touched on local challenges. He spoke of the recent 2024 elections, which saw the ANC lose its outright majority for the first time since 1994, forcing it into a government of national unity (GNU) with other parties. “The ANC seized both the tactical and strategic initiative and started shaping a narrative about the need for political parties to work together and voluntarily cooperate in setting up an inclusive, viable, and stable government of national unity,” he said.

He urged the congress to contribute to national policy, particularly the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, which aims to provide universal healthcare. “We are hopeful that this Congress will be incisive in firming up DENOSA’s contribution to national policy implementation of programs that will bolster the ability of the state to deliver better services to our people,” Mbalula said. He praised nurses as vital to the nation, saying, “There will be no life without a nurse in this country and that must be understood.”

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