ANC’s Fikile Mbalula Faces Media on 2024 Election Outcome: Opposition Status Possible
Johannesburg, South Africa
In a critical media briefing on Sunday, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula addressed journalists on the ANC’s reaction to the 2024 election results. Mbalula openly discussed the potential of the ANC becoming an opposition party for the first time in its post-apartheid history. “We can go to the opposition benches,” said Mbalula.
Reflecting on the election outcome, Mbalula asserted, “We knew that we are in trouble, the President led from the front. This danger will be corrected by the current leadership.” He remained defiant and suggested that despite the setbacks, the ANC was not politically obliterated. “We are blown but not out. We will come back,” he added.
Response to Calls for Ramaphosa’s Resignation
Mbalula categorically dismissed any calls for President Ramaphosa’s resignation. “If you come to us with a demand that Ramaphosa must go, that will not happen,” he emphasised, reiterating the ANC’s unified stance behind the President.
Post-Election Strategy and NEC Meetings
Ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings scheduled for this week, Mbalula noted, “Tomorrow we will report to the officials on these talks and the NWC, then NEC on Tuesday where the highest decision-making body will make a decision.” He reiterated the need for dialogues with all parties, especially given the absence of an outright majority. “We are talking to everybody. Those who don’t want to talk, it’s okay; we can’t force them,” he remarked.
Election Results and Public Sentiment
Touching upon the election results, Mbalula acknowledged that the ANC had understood the electorate’s message. “The #Election2024 results send a clear message to the ANC and we’ve heard the electorate,” he said, urging South Africans to be cautious of those who threaten democracy and incite violence.
Despite the setbacks, Mbalula highlighted some of the successes from ANC’s own polling. “Our own polling showed us that we would get 43%,” he mentioned. He reflected on the influence of former President Zuma in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). “Zuma was a huge factor in KZN; it looked like we were matching Zuma’s machinery as we campaigned.”
Internal Discussions and Future Actions
In response to the election results, the ANC plans to have internal discussions and engage with other parties to form a government. “Over the next few weeks, we will have discussions internally in the ANC and with other parties on how to constitute a government. We will act progressively,” Mbalula assured, while expressing gratitude to the IEC, its staff, and all party agents for their efforts.
Official ANC Statement
During the media briefing, Mbalula read an official statement from the ANC, affirming their commitment to South Africa’s democracy and acknowledging the provisional results. The statement emphasised the ANC’s efforts to combat corruption, improve infrastructure, and uplift the socio-economic status of South Africans. However, it also recognised a significant decline in support and promised to accelerate the party’s renewal and revitalisation efforts.
“The people of South Africa have made their wishes known in free and fair elections, and we must all respect them,” Mbalula stated. He vowed that the ANC would continue the renewal of their movement and would work to improve governance and service delivery in the country.
The ANC Faces Significant Seat Loss in Parliament
Preliminary results from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) suggest the ANC will lose approximately 70 seats in the National Assembly, dropping from 57.5% in the 6th Parliament to just over 40% of the votes in the current election. This translates to around 160 seats, down from 230, marking a historic decline in support.
Political Reactions and Allegations of Electoral Fraud
The Electoral Commission of South Africa is expected to release the official election results soon. Meanwhile, opposition parties have raised concerns regarding electoral fraud. EFF leader Julius Malema acknowledged the results, while calling for lessons to be learned from raised discrepancies. Conversely, ACT President Ace Magashule accused certain IEC officials and the ANC of vote theft. He formally objected to the IEC on Friday, alleging ballot tampering.
MK Party leader Jacob Zuma also echoed these sentiments, calling for a recount and more time to lodge detailed objections against alleged electoral fraud. Despite not providing specifics, Zuma stressed that announcing the results prematurely could provoke unrest.
President Cyril Ramaphosa to Attend Final Results Announcement
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to attend the IEC’s Final Results Announcement Ceremony today at Gallagher Estate in Midrand. Proceedings are expected to begin at 17h20.
As we await the official results, the ANC and other political entities will need to navigate a complex political landscape, ensuring that the will of the South African electorate is respected and upheld.
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