ANC NEC member defends entry of SG luxury yacht

ANC national executive committee (NEC) member Donald Selamolela has defended secretary-general Fikile Mbalula's luxurious mode of transport to Robben Island for the party's 113th anniversary celebration in Cape Town.

THE Sunday schedules reported that Mbalula arrived at Robben Island on a luxury yacht belonging to businessman Fernando Acafrao, rather than the museum's ferry, Sikhululekilewho transported other leaders.

Selamolela said Mbalula should not be criticized because he does not organize his own transport.

“The secretary general does not organize his own movements. Whatever he does is determined by the ANC. It would have been the ANC who provided any means of transport used by Mbalula,” Selamolela said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.

“Don’t put it on Mbalula because he doesn’t organize his own movement when he runs the ANC program. Put it on the ANC.”

Some ANC leaders were shocked when Mbalula appeared on the island in luxury attire, as the party has committed to eliminating glamor and luxury in its public campaigns as part of its renewal program.

“Our people know the truth. Our people understand where we are and our people understand that there are those who are determined to tarnish the image of the ANC and its leaders,” Selamolela said.

He said Mbalula was separated from other leaders because he was expected to address the programs.

“Mbalula was scheduled to address a variety of programs alongside national authorities in Cape Town. For example, he was expected to attend the visit to Robben Island because the visit is very important to us. This is where we gain strength and reconnect with the determination of our ancestors when they were isolated, cutting them from the rope of freedom and democracy.

“It was important that the person responsible went there. Part of the program was that he had to come and join me and other leaders. He also had to address other programs on the same day.

“We didn’t want him to be on a ferry that would take a long time. It is true that it is expensive to use this type of transport, but I must clarify that we have respect for our people and a commitment to ensuring that our program of reconnection with our people is fulfilled.

“He carried an ANC mandate. He was expected to carry out the ANC program. We had to make a different arrangement for him to get to the island.”

AfriLatest -Headlines