There is a new sheriff in town in the form of newly-elected ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula who has made it known already that he will stamp his authority at Luthuli House.
In his maiden press conference at ANC 55th Elective Conference on Tuesday night, Mbalula said members who do not follow the party will be dealt with.
Without mentioning names he lashed out at the ANC MPs who voted with the opposition parties for the adoption of the Section 89 Panel Report on Phala Phala that has found President Cyril Ramaphosa has a case to answer regarding the burglary at his farm where millions of dollars were stolen.
Mbalula said Ramaphosa must be protected and his job was to safeguard the interests of the ANC and that there will be no lawlessness while he is in charge.
“When you insult Ramaphosa, you are insulting the ANC…so the centre must hold… if you’ve got issues, bring them to me, I’ll address them,” he said.
He said there will be no lawlessness in the party while he is in charge.
“It’s not going to happen under my authority, there will be no lawlessness in the ANC. Those continuing with those things of just speaking and contradicting leadership… will be me and them.
“This thing of KC & Jojo of everyone speaking , I’ll deal with that” a comical Mbalula said.
Mbalula spoke highly of Mdumiseni Ntuli who was also vying for the SG position together with Phumulo Masualle.
“He’s got ideas, he’s young and I’m going to use him to the best of my abilities from a point of deployment.”
“People will see a different resolute ANC. My job is at Luthuli House now. I’m thinking about my ideas now to make sure the staff is paid”.
The former Sport Minister gave an insight about his responsibilities in his new role.
“In my role as Secretary-General, I’m not an administrator. I’m the political leader of the ANC… I’m expected to lead the ANC from a point of view of building a strong organisation. I understand my tasks as per the (ANC’s) Constitution and how to enforce them… and build the brand of the ANC and guard it.”
Mbalula also said the National Executive Committee (NEC) dealt with the issue of former ANC Women’s League President Bathabile Dlamini in relation to the ANC constitution.
“A decision was taken by the NEC that she will be allowed to stand as a member of the NEC. That matter has been laid to rest and clarified with plenary,” said Mbalula.
Dlamini was charged with perjury for lying under oath during a 2017 inquiry into the social grants debacle at the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa).
Mbalula said the suspension of ANCYL Deputy President Lungisa from the party, was being looked into and that the conference would look into his appeal over the two-year suspension sentence given by the National Disciplinary Committee in September.
He said he will leave his job as Minister of Transport as soon as he meets with President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss the way forward.
