ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has accused Helen Zille of faking her support for PSL club Orlando Pirates. This comes ahead of the Soweto Derby clash against Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday, 26 April.
The 75-year-old has spoken of her longtime allegiance to the club, despite public criticism.
FIKILE MBALULA ATTACKS HELEN ZILLE OVER ORLANDO PIRATES SUPPORT
This week, Helen Zille shared her excitement at the build-up to the Soweto Derby – a clash between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs – on Sunday.
The Joburg mayoral candidate purchased the team’s new jersey and mingled with players at an official singing event. She was also given a vintage kit that featured the signatures of players who had won the African Cup of Champions Clubs [now the CAF Champions League] in 1995.
Her posts attracted the attention of ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, who accused the 75-year-old of using soccer as a campaign ploy.
He tweeted from his X account: “Helen is doing the most pathetic and sickening patronage. And patronising, using the team we love, Orlando Pirates. She’s never been a supporter. Nothing wrong for choosing us but it’s sickening all in the name of winning black votes”.
Fikile is not the only outspoken South African who has publicly admonished Helen Zille over her posts about the PSL club.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, EFF leader Julius Malema, Action SA’s Michael Beumont and controversial media personality Ntsiki Mazwai have all accused the former DA leader of faking her support.
CLAP BACK OVER PRIORITIES
Fikile Mbalula’s tweet received over 100 000 views and 1 000 comments with many questioning his priorities.
A verified X account advocating for Helen Zille to helm Johannesburg as its next mayor responded: “Your party is deliberately destroying the metro centre. There are still water and electricity outages in parts of the city. An ANC pastor in Joburg stands accused of r@p!ng a minor.
“And you chose to comment on Zille’s support for Pirates? You are not focused. You never were”.
