Gwede Mantashe, the national chair of the African National Congress (ANC), has defended Fikile Mbalula, the newly elected secretary-general of the ANC, against comments made by former ANC Free State strongman Ace Magashule, who called Mbalula a “boy”.
Mantashe stated that Mbalula was not a boy, but the secretary-general of the ANC. Mantashe also praised the Free State for its 2022 matric results and for producing past presidents of the ANC, but also said that the province needs to work harder to regain its influence in the party.
He also criticized the disruptions that occurred at the ninth ANC Free State Provincial Elective Conference, which was scheduled to start on Friday, but was disrupted by a group of party members who stormed the registration venue.
