Fikile Mbalula says sorry to Patrice Motsepe

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has publicly apologised to billionaire businessman Dr Patrice Motsepe for comments he made earlier this year regarding Motsepe’s alleged political ambitions within the African National Congress (ANC).

Speaking at a recent ANC event, Mbalula sought to clarify his past remarks, saying they were misinterpreted as a personal attack on the mining magnate. “When I spoke about Patrice Motsepe, people said I was fighting with him… No, I’m not fighting with him,” Mbalula said.The ANC secretary-general admitted that his earlier statements may have been poorly phrased and offered an unreserved apology. “If I spoke badly, I withdraw those words because Motsepe’s people fought with me, telling me to stop fighting with Motsepe,” he explained.

Mbalula emphasised that his comments were made in the context of the ANC National Executive Committee’s (NEC) decision to discourage discussions about succession ahead of next year’s national elections. “I was relaying the NEC’s decision, saying we must not speak about succession battles because we are in trouble. We must fight and win the elections first, and then we can speak about it,” he said.

The apology comes amid renewed speculation about Dr Motsepe’s possible future in politics, with some within the ANC viewing him as a unifying figure who could appeal to both business and grassroots constituencies. Motsepe, however, has repeatedly dismissed the notion of pursuing any political office, describing the presidency as “a calling he is not willing to accept.”Political observers note that Mbalula’s apology may be aimed at easing tensions within the party and strengthening unity ahead of the 2026 polls.Readers are encouraged to like, comment, share, and follow for more political updates and analysis.