Mbalula Speaks Out on Violence, Education, and ANC Renewal

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has once again stepped into the spotlight with strong words about violence in the taxi and e-hailing sectors, the need to protect teachers in schools, and the ANC’s push for renewal. His statements this year carry weight, not only because they touch on sensitive issues but also because they outline the direction the ANC says it wants to take in 2025 and beyond.

Tackling Violence in the Taxi and E-Hailing Sectors

For years, the taxi industry has been the backbone of public transport in South Africa. Millions of people depend on taxis every day to get to work, school, and essential services. Yet, the same industry has long been marred by conflict, power struggles, and deadly violence. Mbalula made it clear that this cycle of killings cannot continue. He condemned the murder of Mthokozisi Mvelase and described the ongoing attacks as senseless and destructive to families and communities.

His call is twofold: punish offenders harshly and restructure the industry to prevent further bloodshed. According to Mbalula, law enforcement must clamp down on illegal operations while courts must hand down strict penalties to those who commit violent acts. At the same time, he believes the industry needs to be professionalised and operators empowered so they can run their businesses legally and safely. In his view, this dual approach—strong punitive measures alongside industry reform—will help restore stability to one of the country’s most vital transport sectors.

This stance is not new, but the urgency is stronger. Every violent incident not only claims lives but also weakens trust in public safety. Mbalula’s insistence on accountability may suggest the ANC understands that South Africans are tired of endless talk with little real change.

Standing Up for Teachers and Children

Beyond transport, Mbalula turned his focus to education—specifically the troubling reports of teachers being humiliated or attacked in schools. He urged ANC members, community structures, and parents not to sit idle while educators suffer. In his words, protecting teachers is tied to protecting children, because a safe learning space benefits everyone.

The humiliation or assault of teachers is not just a personal attack; it erodes respect for education itself. When children see their teachers disrespected, it sends the wrong message about authority, discipline, and the value of learning. Mbalula framed this as part of a broader fight for dignity and community safety.

By connecting education to the ANC’s renewal agenda, he also highlighted how small acts of accountability feed into bigger national goals. Respecting teachers and standing with children are not just school matters—they are reflections of the type of society the ANC says it wants to build.

Renewal as a Path to Accountability

At the heart of Mbalula’s message is the idea of renewal. For him, renewal is not an abstract slogan; it means concrete steps such as strengthening grassroots ANC branches, improving leadership quality, and rooting out corruption. He pointed back to resolutions adopted at the ANC’s 54th and 55th conferences as the roadmap.

The renewal programme, as outlined by Mbalula, has several layers. On one level, it is about ethical leadership—holding those in positions of power accountable for how they act and what they deliver. On another level, it is about service delivery: making sure the ANC does not lose sight of its duty to meet the needs of ordinary South Africans. Renewal, in his framing, is also about restoring trust. By fighting corruption, disciplining leaders, and improving performance, the ANC hopes to show that it can still serve communities effectively.

This is no small task. The party has faced heavy criticism in recent years for corruption scandals, poor governance, and declining credibility. Whether renewal can turn the tide is still an open question. Yet Mbalula’s public statements are meant to assure South Africans that the ANC has not abandoned the fight for integrity. Linking renewal to practical issues—like taxi violence and school safety—makes the message more relatable. It suggests that change is not just about internal politics but about building a safer and fairer society.

Conclusion

Mbalula’s remarks highlight three pressing issues: the urgent need to end violence in the taxi industry, the importance of respecting and protecting teachers in schools, and the ANC’s ongoing push for renewal. Each of these issues may seem separate, but together they paint a picture of what the ANC claims to stand for in 2025: accountability, safety, and service to the people.

Still, words alone will not shift public opinion. South Africans have heard many promises before. The real test will be in implementation. Will illegal taxi operators face actual consequences? Will schools become safer places for teachers and learners? And will renewal inside the ANC move beyond rhetoric to produce ethical leaders who put communities first?

Mbalula has set the tone, but citizens will judge the ANC on actions, not speeches.