ANC's Visit To Late Thabiso Sikwane Sparks Mixed Reactions

Holifil

01 Apr, 2025

The African National Congress visited the late Thabiso Sikwane’s home, the ex-wife of legendary DJ Fresh.
Top ANC leaders, including Fikile Mbalula and Panyaza Lesufi, attended to pay their respects, but not everyone was pleased.
Social media users criticized Mbalula for allegedly turning the visit into a publicity stunt.

Tebogo Mokwena, an experienced journalist affiliated with Briefly News, has provided political analysis and conducted interviews in South Africa for outlets like Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News over the past nine years. His expertise shines through in breaking down complex political issues for everyday South Africans.

Fikile Mbalula faced backlash on X after posting about the ANC’s visit to honor Thabiso Sikwane. Image: Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images. Source: Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG — Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC), found himself at the center of controversy after the party paid its respects to the late Thabiso Sikwane. Instead of universal appreciation, the visit sparked criticism from some quarters who accused Mbalula of using the occasion for political gain.

Showing Solidarity: ANC Pays Final Respects

In a heartfelt gesture, the ANC leadership, including Secretary General Fikile Mbalula and Provincial Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi, visited the home of Thabiso Sikwane, the former wife of renowned DJ Fresh. This visit aimed to offer condolences to the Sikwane family during this difficult time. Mbalula took to his X account (@MbalulaFikile) to share a video capturing the somber yet respectful visit.

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The video showcased Mbalula alongside prominent figures such as DJ Fresh and Oskido, who were also present to honor Thabiso. Despite the solemn atmosphere, there were moments of levity, with Mbalula seen laughing and engaging warmly with those in attendance. While intentions appeared genuine, some South Africans saw it differently.

Social Media Fires Back: Criticism Mounts Against Mbalula

While the Sikwane family and those who attended appreciated the gesture, social media reactions were far less forgiving. Many South Africans criticized Mbalula for sharing the video, accusing him of turning a private moment of grief into a public relations opportunity. Critics argued that such acts should remain personal and heartfelt rather than being broadcasted for public consumption.

One user, uSandz, expressed disappointment, saying, "My leader, these are things you don't need PR for. Just do it out of your good heart." Another commenter, Oros, chimed in with, "This is all you know: congratulations and condolences." The criticism didn’t stop there, with Van De Merwe adding, "But are you aware that one day you'll be in hell? Not judging, but repent." Tlou Simon summed up the sentiment with, "This is what you do best," while Don bluntly called it a "PR stunt."

Mbalula Defends Government of National Unity Amid Criticism

Amid the backlash, Mbalula wasn’t shy about addressing other political matters. In a separate instance, he responded to criticisms leveled against the Government of National Unity (GNU) by the South African Communist Party (SACP). General Secretary Solly Mapaila had accused the ANC of selling out the liberation movement by not aligning with pro-black parties. Mapaila’s remarks resonated with many who feel the GNU hasn’t lived up to its promises.

Mbalula stood firm, asserting that the SACP could utilize its well-established platforms to voice concerns about the GNU. His defense highlighted the ongoing tensions within South Africa’s political landscape, where differing ideologies often clash. Despite the criticism aimed at him personally, Mbalula remains steadfast in his commitment to representing the ANC’s values and priorities.

Final Thoughts

The ANC’s visit to pay respects to Thabiso Sikwane was undoubtedly a touching moment for those involved. However, in today’s hyper-connected world, even acts of kindness can become lightning rods for debate. As South Africa continues to navigate its political and social challenges, leaders like Fikile Mbalula will undoubtedly face scrutiny—but perhaps, in moments like these, we can all find common ground in empathy and respect.