'ANC members' protest misplaced', says Mbalula amid national coalition cloud

JOHANNESBURG – African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has criticised some members of the party – who’ve been demonstrating against the possibility of an African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) coalition government.

Earlier on Thursday, some concerned ANC members protested outside the Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni – where the organisation held its national executive committee (NEC) meeting.

The aggrieved party members pleaded with the ANC’s leadership to refrain from entering a coalition with the DA in the National Assembly.

Upon arrival at the Birchwood Hotel, the ANC NEC was met by concerned party members – who were protesting an ANC and DA marriage.

Esethu Hasane, a member of the ANC Youth League, said it’s illogical for the party to work with its biggest political rival.

“The democratic alliance declared the ANC as enemy number one. They’ve worked over the last 30 years to bring us where we are today.”

However, Mbalula said concerned party members should have used the appropriate channels to voice their grievances.

“The protest is unfortunate and its really misplaced because this is a time for sober mind because even here, we are not going in thinking that we think alike.”

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce the party’s preferred coalition soon.

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