ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has accused Helen Zille of faking her support for Orlando Pirates ahead of Sunday's Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs. The 75-year-old mayoral candidate for Johannesburg generated significant attention this week by purchasing the club's new jersey, attending an official singing event with players, and receiving a vintage kit signed by the 1995 African Cup of Champions Clubs winning squad. Mbalula's criticism centered on what he characterized as patronizing behavior, tweeting that Zille had never been a genuine supporter and was using the beloved Betway Premiership club as a campaign ploy to win black votes.
Mbalula's accusation has resonated across South African political circles, with multiple prominent figures echoing similar sentiments. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, EFF leader Julius Malema, Action SA's Michael Beumont, and media personality Ntsiki Mazwai have all publicly questioned the authenticity of Zille's Pirates allegiance. The social media criticism underscores broader skepticism about her recent engagement with the football club during her mayoral campaign.
However, Mbalula's intervention drew considerable backlash on social media, with supporters questioning his priorities. Responses to his tweet pointed to pressing governance issues affecting Johannesburg, including water and electricity outages, and alleged misconduct by an ANC pastor. Critics argued that rather than commenting on Zille's sporting affiliations, Mbalula should focus on addressing substantive challenges facing the metropolitan municipality, suggesting his attention to the matter reflected misplaced priorities.