In a fervent declaration aimed at quelling rising tensions within the ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, has assured South Africans that President Cyril Ramaphosa “will not sell out” to Ukraine. This sentiment was expressed during Mbalula’s closing remarks at the ANC National Executive Committee meeting held in Boksburg on Monday, as conflicts inside the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU) began to emerge prominently on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter).
The backdrop of Mbalula’s comments was a heated exchange between Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya on X, which has become a battleground for miscommunication among officials. Schreiber suggested that Ramaphosa’s government was moving towards formalising diplomatic ties with Ukraine, a comment that sparked immediate backlash from those within the ANC who support maintaining long-standing ties with Russia.
“The President is yet to sign the minute authorising the Minister to sign the agreement with Ukraine. It is unclear how the Minister can announce the signature of an international agreement without prior formal authorisation to do so,” a clearly irritated Magwenya stated, responding to Schreiber’s comments. He further clarified that the proposed visa agreement between South Africa and Ukraine pertained solely to diplomats attending a peace summit, not the general populace.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola echoed this sentiment in a media briefing alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, emphasising that any future agreements would be formally announced after all diplomatic protocols were followed. However, the situation grew muddled as his assertion regarding the visa agreement conflicted with Magwenya’s remarks suggesting the agreement was not yet a signature guarantee.
Mbalula, amidst the discussion, expressed dismay over the comments made by Schreiber and reiterated the ANC’s strong position. “Now we are being disrespected by Helen Zille, of course we should expect her to disrespect us because we didn’t win an outright majority. But comrades, we must have faith in our leadership. I work at Luthuli House (ANC headquarters) and sleep well knowing Matamela (President Cyril Ramaphosa) will not sell out,” Mbalula declared.
This ongoing tension culminates in larger concerns regarding South Africa’s standing in global geopolitics. The ANC has steadfastly maintained its neutral stance in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, primarily due to its historical ties with Russia that date back to its anti-apartheid struggle. As parties like uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) voice opposition to strengthening relations with Ukraine, the ANC faces a delicate balancing act between competing international interests.
The EFF has warned of potential embarrassment and a weakening of South Africa’s international alliances if ties with Ukraine are intensified, arguing that the current Ukrainian leadership operates as a proxy for Western hegemony. Similarly, the MK Party reinforced its stance by viewing Ukraine’s current government as part of an imperialistic agenda, cautioning that any relationship with Kiev could undermine South Africa’s position in BRICS, a bloc founded on mutual support and shared interests against neoliberalism.
Political analysts express concern regarding the fragile nature of the GNU, which has encountered significant public discord among key leaders. Melusi Ncala, an independent analyst, posits that the GNU may only have an 18-month lifespan, predicting a shift in the ANC’s stance once a new leader is elected. “Once a new leader is elected, there’s a big chance the ANC will go a different route because currently these compromises to the right don’t make sense at all,” Ncala warns, indicating diminishing support within the party.
As the ANC navigates these complex waters urged on by public disputes, questions regarding the future of the GNU loom large. The establishment of a ‘Clearing House’ for addressing inter-party disagreements has proven ineffective, mainly due to public spats that undermine the ANC’s credibility and Ramaphosa’s leadership.