Fikile Mbalula Says ANC Won’t Abandon BEE and Expropriation Laws Despite Sanction Threat, SA Divided
- African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula weighed in on the threat of US sanctions
- Mbalula defended some of the country's transformative policies, like Black Economic Empowerment
- South Africans shared their thoughts on social media about Mbalula's defiance regarding the US threats
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The African National Congress (ANC) won’t be bullied into abandoning its transformative laws like Black Economic Empowerment and the Expropriation Act.
That’s according to the party’s Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, who weighed in on recent threats by the United States government that senior leaders of the ANC could be sanctioned. Despite the threats, Mbalula insisted that it would not back down from its transformation policies.
What did Mbalula say?
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, where he provided an update about the party’s National Executive Committee meeting, Mbalula touched on the recent tariffs by the US and the threats of sanctions.
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The Secretary-General said that Donald Trump’s administration seemed intent on not engaging but instead threatening the government.
"So, it's basically to coerce us to do things that are anti-transformation. If it means we are going to suffer through sanctions, as leaders of the ANC, let it be. We will never back imperialists. We will never forsake our country for which we fought for its liberation," he exclaimed.
You can view his comments below.
Why does the Trump administration want to punish ANC leaders?
In April 2025, US Congressman Ronny Jackson introduced a new bill which aimed to allow the US to sanction South African officials whom the administration deemed to be corrupt.
AfriForum previously asked that the Trump administration sanction ANC leaders and not the whole country over the president’s claims that terrible things were happening in the country.
It’s not every American official who believes that South Africa is up to no good. Jonathan Luther Jackson, the godson of Martin Luther King Jr, defended South Africa in the face of the bill, saying that he had the right to an independent point of view.
In July 2025, a delegation of Afrikaners who met with the Trump administration said that the US President had four non-negotiables when it came to working with South Africa. According to the delegation, one of the conditions was that there would be no land expropriation without fair market compensation. The other was that US entities would be exempt from all BEE requirements.
Source: Getty Images
How did South Africans react?
Social media users were divided by Mbalula’s defiance, with some applauding him, while others criticised him for defending the policies.
Clive Cox said:
“It’s easy for Mbalula and his cronies to be arrogant. They don’t suffer as they still get the same bloated salaries and perks. It’s the poor and middle class that bear the brunt of politicians refusing to at least adjust policies that will lead to greater investment and employment. Disgusting to see such arrogant, selfish politicians who serve only themselves.”
@majoyana31 stated:
“I’m glad that the ANC is standing on business on that one. Well done to our government. BBBEE is the only viable tool that is addressing the inequalities of the past, especially in a workplace environment.”
Deon Nel asked:
“When will they learn it's not about them. BEE is bad for the labourer as well.”
Thulani Masinga stated:
“BEE is meant for ANC criminals, so it might as well end.”
Thabiso Khalapa said:
“I hate the ANC with every fibre of my body, but South Africa cannot be ruled from Washington just because some people feel more entitled.”
Ken Fourie stated:
“Stupidity at its best. It's not only the politicians that get sanctioned, it is the whole country. It's just another way for the ANC to steal more from citizens.”
Midolands Dapper Lacoste exclaimed:
“As the EFF, we welcome this decision. Elon Musk, the DA, as well as AfriForum, can gladly go jump off the nearest cliff.”
Macozen Maekane stated:
“The ANC is correct. Anybody who has a problem with that can go to hell.”
Trump to skip G20 over SA's policies
Briefly News reported that Trump said he would not be attending the G20 Summit in South Africa in November 2025.
The President of the United States of America has expressed unhappiness with some of the country's policies.
Trump has claimed on more than one occasion that certain citizens are being persecuted and killed in South Africa.
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Source: Briefly News
