ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has hit back at the ANC’s GNU partner, the Democratic Alliance (DA), over its criticism of the ANC’s manifesto launch on Sunday.
Mbalula was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the ANC’s extended National Executive Committee meeting in Kempton Park.
The ANC held the manifesto launch event in Riverside, Diepsloot on Sunday led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Mbalula has called on the DA to focus on its own affairs rather than criticising the ANC.
He dismissed criticism of the manifesto launch, saying: “The rally was packed to capacity.”
Mbalula also took a swipe at DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille.
“Sorry [Helen] Zille and your espionage. You wish that rally could not have been a success, but it was a great success, but thank you for popularising our event,” he said.
He accused the DA of encroaching on ANC events, saying: “That is their media strategy, they encroach into our events.”
Mbalula also cited Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka’s report, which found that the DA had implemented what it described as apartheid spatial development and planning.
“And that happened under the leadership and influence of the DA,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mbalula said ANC councillor candidates without matric should not automatically be disqualified from becoming councillors if they have relevant experience.
He said the party would consider waivers for candidates who do not have matric but possess the necessary skills and experience.
