Jabu Mbalula, the brother of ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, has been sworn in as acting Premier of the Free State.
Story Summary:
- Jabu Mbalula, Fikile Mbalula’s brother, has been appointed acting Premier of the Free State amid controversy surrounding his predecessor, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae.
- Jabu, a former South African ambassador to Romania, has a strong background in governance and public service.
- This appointment has drawn mixed reactions, with some questioning nepotism in the ANC.
Reactions to Fikile Mbalula’s brother getting Premier job in Free State
His appointment follows Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae stepping aside temporarily for health reasons amid allegations of corruption involving her and her husband.
The announcement has sparked significant public discourse, with many questioning whether the appointment reflects nepotism within the African National Congress (ANC).
Letsoha-Mathae had been under fire for allegations of bribery linked to a local businessman, leading to her temporary leave and Jabu’s interim leadership.
His swearing-in ceremony, held at the provincial legislature in Bloemfontein, saw Jabu promising to uphold the Constitution and serve with “honour and dignity.”
However, critics view his appointment as a continuation of cadre deployment by the ANC, with suspicions that familial ties played a role in his rise.
Who exactly is Jabu Mbalula?
Jabu Mbalula is no stranger to public service or governance.
He served as South Africa’s ambassador to Romania from 2017, representing the country in fostering diplomatic ties and promoting cooperation in areas such as education, agriculture, and trade.
An alumnus of the University of the Free State, Jabu studied Governance and Political Transformation, earning accolades for his academic pursuits.
His career has spanned diplomacy, governance, and community development, showcasing a commitment to education and public service.
His tenure as MEC for community safety, roads, and transport further solidified his reputation for being a “no-nonsense leader.”
Notably, he issued strict deadlines to address violations involving government land during his time in the MEC role.
Despite his qualifications, the timing and familial connection to Fikile Mbalula have raised questions.