ANC national executive committee (NEC) member Donald Selamolela has defended secretary-general Fikile Mbalula’s use of a luxury yacht to arrive at Robben Island for the ANC’s 113th birthday celebrations last week.
The yacht, owned by businessman Fernando Acafrao, replaced the museum ferry used by other leaders.
Speaking during an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Selamolela said that Mbalula does not arrange his own transportation and that the ANC determines travel arrangements.
“The secretary-general does not arrange his own movements. Whatever he goes with is determined by the ANC. It would have been the ANC that arranged whatever means of transport Mbalula used,” Selamolela said.
“Don’t put it on Mbalula as he does not arrange his own movement when he is running the programme of the ANC. Put it on the ANC.”
According to a Times Live report, Mbalula sparked controversy among party leaders when he arrived at Robben Island on the extravagant yacht owned by a Cape Town businessman Fernando Acafrao, overshadowing a commemoration honoring political prisoners.
Selamolela said that Mbalula was needed on the island to address programmes, and the luxury transport was necessary to ensure he could fulfill his duties.
“Mbalula was scheduled to address a variety of programs together with national officials in Cape Town. For instance, he was expected to attend the Robben Island visit because the visit is very important to us. That is where we draw strength and reconnect with the determination of our forebearers when they were isolated, cutting them from the rope of freedom and democracy.
“It was important for the official to go there. Part of the programme was that he had to come and join me and other leaders. He also had to address other programmes on the same day.
“We didn’t want him to be on a ferry that would take time. It is true it is expensive to use that type of transportation, but I must clarify that we have respect for our people and a commitment to ensuring our programme of reconnecting with our people is fulfilled.
“He was carrying an ANC mandate. He was expected to fulfil the ANC programme. We had to make a different arrangement for him to arrive on the island.”
First published by African Insider
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
