Mbalula says ANC welcomes criticism from party veterans

JOHANNESBURG - African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said that the party welcomes the criticism it has received from a number of its senior leaders, as it heads to next week’s election.

In recent months, party veterans including its former president, Thabo Mbeki, and Mavuso Msimang expressed disappointment in the current leadership.

Speaking at a media briefing at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Thursday, Mbalula said that the party remained committed to renewing itself.

"We are a party of elders. As we ascend to leadership positions, we are not on our own, we are with our elders. That’s why from time to time we get called to order because our elders are watching."