Mbalula faced backlash after implying that members of the ANC had lied about former president Jacob Zuma’s swimming pool being a “fire pool.”
Mbalula’s comments were met with criticism from South Africans and fellow party members, including ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe and former police minister Nathi Nhleko. Mantashe expressed that Mbalula may have been carried away by the presence of cameras and said things he should not have said.
In a statement, Mbalula clarified that he meant to say the ruling party defended Zuma until the Constitutional Court ruled that “enormous state resources were misappropriated to achieve the renovations in Nkandla.”
He emphasized that only members of opposition parties and sworn enemies of the ANC would interpret his comments as an admission of lies.
The EFF and Mmusi Maimane’s Build One SA have responded to Mbalula’s revelations, with Maimane calling for a reinvestigation of the Nkandla matter.
Malema suggested that Mbalula should be given enough time to speak at the ANC’s 112th birthday celebrations to disclose more revelations.
Taking a dig at the ruling party’s celebrations, Malema humorously remarked that Saturday was a day to rest and advised people to avoid crowded places like stadiums. He also reminded them to register to vote online.
As the ANC gathers at the Mbombela stadium for their 112th birthday celebrations, all eyes will be on Mbalula to see if he reveals any further information.
