Mbalula warns ANC against ‘lazy’ and self-interested members as KZN task team praised

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula moved between praise and warning at a party rally in eThekwini, commending the work of KwaZulu‑Natal’s Provincial Task Team while urging the party to reject complacency and self-interest.

PTT praised for stabilising provincial structures

Speaking on Sunday, Mbalula said the ANC in KwaZulu‑Natal was “on track” under its current provincial leadership structure and credited the Provincial Task Team (PTT) for strengthening organisational work.

He singled out conveners Mike Mabuyakhulu and James Nxumalo, saying they and the collective had shown commitment and discipline. “We are happy with the direction the province is taking. We know that is a mammoth task, and Mike Mabuyakhulu, as the convener, and James Nxumalo and the collective have shown us in the few months that they’ve been inaugurated that they are equal to the task,” he said.

Mbalula said the party was encouraged by what he described as stability in its structures and that preparations were continuing as the organisation readied itself ahead of election campaigning. “Leadership, we don’t say that they are they will change things but when we see the centre holding and things being done and structures being directed on the task at hand that is really encouraging. We are pleased by the work they are doing and we are here to support them and there will be many of us you will see on the ground,” he added.

Organisational work, volunteers and campaign preparation

Mbalula said the ANC had not yet officially begun campaigning for elections, emphasising that the party was focused on strengthening organisational foundations and preparing for key political programmes.

“We have not started the campaign yet. We are pleased with the work we are doing in laying the foundation. We are selecting public representatives. We are preparing for our manifesto launches. So the work has been done on the ground,” he said.

He praised volunteers and party structures across the province, saying mobilisation efforts were ongoing in eThekwini and other regions, and that the PTT was delivering results. “We are seeing the work of the new PTT, and we are seeing the fruits of that work, and we support the PTT. Comrades are busy with the work of the organisation, and that is admirable,” Mbalula said.

Warning against complacency and call to protect women

At the same event Mbalula issued a stern warning about members who put personal gain above the organisation. He said the ANC needed disciplined volunteers committed to serving communities.

“The ANC does not want lazy people. It does not want people who work for themselves. Who prioritise their personal interests. The ANC wants volunteers who are ready to work for the people,”

Mbalula also stressed the central role of women in the party’s work and called for fair representation in the upcoming local government elections. He noted that the majority of ANC volunteers are women and described them as leading door‑to‑door campaign efforts.

“Women are the bedrock of the organisation and must be represented fairly in the upcoming local government elections,” he said. On gender‑based violence he added: “We must respect women and not take advantage of them. We must not abuse our women. Instead, we must protect them. Men who abuse women are not men and must be dealt with by the law,” he said.