Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), has finally addressed the growing speculation and his words are making waves. In a striking turn of events, Mbalula confirmed that the possibility of Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen becoming South Africa’s next president is very real, dismissing the idea that it’s just political noise. “We’ve been told Steenhuisen will be president and yes, it could happen,” he warned during a recent media briefing.
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The remarks come at a tense moment, as coalition talks continue following an election that left no party with a clear majority. While many viewed the idea of Steenhuisen taking the top seat as far-fetched, Mbalula urged South Africans not to underestimate the power dynamics currently at play. “Don’t assume it’s just talk,” he said. “From the start, when we lost power, they’ve been working on this. The EFF supported the DA in the vote.”
His comments also included a surprising nod to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and its leader Julius Malema. In a notable shift in tone, Mbalula praised Malema as a “great revolutionary” and highlighted his connection to Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traoré. It’s a far cry from the usual rhetoric and signals a possible thaw between the ANC and the EFF.
“We have been promised that John Steenhuisen will become the president of the country, that is possible, you must not think that it is empty rhetoric they did it, right from the inception when we lost power the EFF voted with @Our_DA but the leader today is a great revolutionary… pic.twitter.com/2liriBqllN
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) April 30, 2025
Despite years of political tension, Mbalula made it clear that the ANC does not see the EFF as a rival. “We have no war with them. We understand them well. They are not our enemy,” he stated, drawing a firm line between political competition and outright hostility.
Analysts suggest Mbalula’s words were carefully chosen — not just for the public, but for factions within the ANC itself. As the political landscape shifts, his comments could be setting the stage for new alliances, while warning party members about the real risks of losing influence. With the DA and EFF having worked together in local governments before, the idea of them forming a broader national coalition is suddenly no longer off the table.
