Fikile Mbalula's premature announcement of David Mabuza's death sparks outrage within the ANC

The ANC is grappling with an internal controversy after Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula “deliberately and prematurely" announced the death of former Deputy President David Mabuza, sparking widespread criticism and calls for him to take responsibility for his actions.

According to ANC insiders, President Cyril Ramaphosa was "very angry" after Mbalula took to social media to announce Mabuza's death ahead of the president's official announcement. 

Ramaphosa had delayed announcing the death because he had been waiting to express his condolences to Mabuza's family before informing the nation.

Mabuza died at a Sandton hospital on Thursday, after a short illness.

Sources claim that Ramaphosa's frustration stems from Mbalula's breach of protocol, which is seen as a sign of disrespect to the president and the party. 

"The president was waiting for the family to arrive before making the announcement, and Mbalula's actions were seen as a disregard for the family's grief," a source said.

Senior members of the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) are now calling for Mbalula to explain himself and take responsibility for his actions.

 "The general-secretary (Mbalula) needs to account for why he broke protocol and announced the death before the president," a NEC member said. 

"This is not just about protocol; it's about respect for the family and the party,” he said..

Sources further suggest that Mbalula's actions were deliberate, driven by his presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 ANC elective conference.

 "We all know that Comrade Fikile has ambitions to become the next president," a source said. 

"Making that announcement on Thursday was deliberate to show his backers that he had power. Rank and file within the party know that it's the president who makes these announcements, not the party"

He further said the corridors of power inside Luthuli House were calling for Ramaphosa to act on the matter because protocol was breached.

Mbalula’s phone rang unanswered Sunday.

However, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu has defended Mbalula, saying that his post was a "compassionate" and personal reflection, not an official statement. 

"The Secretary-General's earlier social media post was a humane and compassionate reflection during a moment of collective grief, when the nation was already widely informed by media platforms," Bhengu said.

“To weaponise this moment of mourning with speculative accusations and anonymous sources is not journalism, it is political gossip in search of scandal where there is none," Bhengu added.

She said the suggestion that Mbalula announced the passing of the late former Deputy President was far from the truth.

“It is misleading reporting by journalists who are bound by industry ethics to report objectively and factually,” she said.

Meanwhile Mabuza’s family has confirmed that his funeral is scheduled for next Saturday, July 12, 2025.

His family confirmed the burial date during a media briefing at his Barberton, Mpumalanga home Saturday. 

Friends and political associates have gathered at the Mabuza residence to offer support to the grieving family, who are still coming to terms with his sudden passing.

Family spokesman Desmond Moela said the date was set after consultations with the government and the ANC.

He added that the South African government would provide further details regarding the arrangements in due course.

Three memorial services are planned throughout the upcoming week to honor Mabuza.