Fatshimetrie
At the heart of recent political discussions in South Africa is Fikile Mbalula, the secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC), a figure who has fuelled controversy and debate. Recently published photos of him wearing a bright yellow, fluffy Dolce & Gabbana tracksuit during his visit to the Rugby World Cup final in Paris in October 2023 have sent shockwaves through the country.
Hailing from the Gauteng suburb of Katlehong, Mbalula has long embodied an image of an eccentric and sometimes controversial figure in South African politics. As secretary-general of the ANC, he is supposed to be the stalwart of the organisation, but many observers believe he has contributed to a difficult period in the party’s democratic history, exacerbated by the recent national elections.
During his years as Minister of Sports, Mbalula often found himself at the centre of controversy, particularly for his extravagant statements and actions. His reputation was tarnished by allegations of corruption and conflicts of interest, without any concrete action being taken against him.
His behaviour during the 2024 election campaign in the deprived region of Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, clearly illustrated the disconnect between his actions and the real needs of the population. Showing up in a luxurious Mercedes-Benz G63 worth more than R3 million, Mbalula gave the impression of a politician out of touch with the reality of the citizens he is supposed to represent.
The collapse of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal in the recent elections, to the benefit of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, highlighted the limits of Mbalula’s political influence, despite his long and tumultuous political career. This loss of electoral support raises questions about the political future of the secretary-general and the impact of his past actions on the reputation and credibility of the ruling party.
As criticism mounts and his popularity appears to be waning, the question of Fikile Mbalula’s future as a key political figure in South Africa remains unresolved. His propensity for outrageous behaviour and controversy suggests a complex and often misunderstood personality, fuelling a political soap opera in the style of Takalani, reminding some observers of a sad metaphor for incoherence and imbalance.
Ultimately, Fikile Mbalula represents a unique and polarising figure in the South African political landscape, inspiring both fascination and perplexity. His political future will depend largely on his ability to navigate the turbulent waters of politics and rebuild his tarnished reputation over the years.