Mbalula opens taps on torrent of outrage: ‘He’s showing the middle finger to ANC voters without water’

“Fikile Mbalula is showing the middle finger to ANC supporters and voters, especially those in rural areas and those who have been without water for weeks. This arrogance should end next year.”

This is one of the remarks from people who expressed their dismay with the ANC secretary-general after he hailed the ruling party for delivering taps but no water.

“You now have taps in your yards. Before you used to stand in queues for a tap. Yes, there may not be water but you have a tap inside your yard delivered by the ANC,” said Mbalula.

“It’s very easy to be opposition. You form a political party and say what you like, but it’s difficult to be government.”

He said the country had always been under load-shedding and only saw the light when the ANC ascended to power.

Mbalula has previously defended the ANC from claims it has not liberated “its people” and has nothing to celebrate.

This was after the party celebrated its 108th birthday in Kimberley, where President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the grave of the party's first secretary-general, Sol Plaatje.

Mbalula said if it was not for the ANC, South Africa wouldn't be able to tweet.

He was responding to social media users who asked how he had liberated the people since joining the party at the age of 24.

“We have liberated our people, including yourself. That is why you are on Twitter. You didn't have to fight. Just seatback (sic) and be a critic,” said Mbalula.

He also denied claims the ANC enriched itself at the expense of the poor.

On social media, many slammed Mbalula for his tap comment.

Here is a snapshot of some reactions.