The African National Congress (ANC) has explained that party Secretary General Fikile Mbalula was transported to a recent ANC event on Robben Island by yacht due to his tight schedule in Cape Town.
According to a report from IOL on Sunday, Mbalula’s arrival by yacht took place on Wednesday, ahead of the ANC’s 113th anniversary celebrations in Khayelitsha, held on Saturday. The arrival drew attention, especially since the event was meant to reflect on the painful history of ANC members who were imprisoned during apartheid.
While other ANC leaders used the Robben Island Museum ferry, Sikhululekile, President Cyril Ramaphosa was flown to the island by helicopter for security reasons. The event was focused on honoring the political prisoners who were incarcerated on the island.
Speaking on Sunday evening, ANC national executive committee member Donald Selamolela addressed the issue, clarifying that Mbalula was not personally responsible for organizing his mode of transport. He explained that the ANC arranged for Mbalula’s yacht transport due to his busy schedule, which involved attending various programs on the same day. Selamolela emphasized that the decision was made to avoid delays associated with using the ferry.
RELATED NEWS
- Chin’ono Calls Seh Calaz a Coward Over Refusal to Clash After Diss Song
- Judicial Officer Sentenced to Seven Years for Bribery in Corruption Sting
- Judicial Officer Sentenced to Seven Years for Bribery in Corruption Sting
- Zanu PF, CCC Legislators Unite to Endorse Mnangagwa’s Extended Term
- Historic launch of new curriculum as schools opens
Selamolela also acknowledged that the yacht was expensive but defended the decision, stating that the ANC was committed to its programs and reconnecting with the people. He added that Mbalula had no involvement in the arrangement, stating, “This was an ANC trip, and Mbalula was carrying out the ANC’s mandate.”
The yacht in question is reportedly owned by Fernando Acafrao, a businessman with multiple government contracts. Acafrao’s company, Mobile Satellite Technologies, has previously been under scrutiny, particularly in relation to a 2015 contract to deliver mobile health units to the KwaZulu-Natal health department, where only half of the units were delivered, costing the province millions of rands.
