Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the African National Council (ANC), previously told Mr. repeated.
Stage 6 loadshedding cleared sabotage. Strong additional security measures are required.
— ANC Secretary General | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) February 10, 2024
Mr Mbalula was addressing party supporters in Kwasimba, near Catteridge, west of Durban. The area was attended in large numbers by supporters of the newly formed Umkhonto Wesizwe party just two weeks ago.
The Kwasimba region is a peri-urban area under eThekwini, one of the ANC's largest regions. It has its fair share of problems, including a severe lack of water, housing, and proper roads. It is the ANC's largest in terms of membership both in the district and region.
Thousands of ANC members and supporters attended the rally.
But the rise of the MK party, which backs former president Jacob Zuma, has turned the region into a political battleground following the party's strong performance here two weeks ago. Mbalula said he was dealing with Zuma because they were working with his enemies to steal their property.
“Now he is ruining things for us, which is why we suspended him. You say you are working with people who oppose the ANC to right what you say is wrong with the ANC, but how do you work with them? Do you? We don't want that. Comrades, let's not work on Zuma, let's work on strengthening the ANC, KZN is the stronghold of the ANC.”
#sabcnews Thousands of ANC members attended a party rally in Kwasimba, west of Durban. MK also held a rally in the area two weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/7iH4c7rh7K
— Nonkulleko Hlofe (@Leko3) February 11, 2024
Mbalula suspects foul play in the current rolling blackouts. He called on the state to ensure critical infrastructure is protected.
“The state must not rule out the possibility that sabotage may be carried out to coincide with major domestic events. However, those questions clearly indicate that there is sabotage. However, as the ANC, we insist that the country should step up a gear in terms of investigating and considering certain possibilities. I am.”
Mr Mbalula also appealed to AmaZulu monarch Miszulu Kazwelithini to remain apolitical and non-partisan.
“We hold the Zulu monarchy in high esteem. Let us not politicize traditional leadership. It must always be above politics. As the ANC, we hold the traditional We have come a very long way in our leadership institutions. The IFP stole traditional leadership, but we as the ANC have restored order, which is why traditional leadership institutions are now dignified. That's why. We respect the Zulu monarch.”
Meanwhile, a middle-aged man who was attending the rally suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. It was not clear who shot him.
The ANC downplayed the incident, saying it may have been an accident.
2024 Elections I Load shedding is a clear sabotage at power plants: Mbalula: