Fikile Mbalula misspells Albertina Sisulu’s surname as “Sisula” in a birthday tribute

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has been criticised after misspelling struggle icon Albertina Sisulu’s surname as “Sisula” in a public tribute marking what would have been her 108th birthday. His message praised her role in the anti-apartheid struggle, her leadership in the women’s march and her place at the founding congress of the ANC Youth League, while quoting her views on women’s contribution to liberation. However, the spelling error became the focus of online reactions, with critics correcting her name and questioning the care taken when honouring a prominent figure.

One thing the post leaves open is whether Mbalula or the ANC corrected the error after it was pointed out, since the post does not say whether the tribute was edited or whether an apology followed. The post also does not say where the tribute was published or when it was posted. Those details matter because they would establish how the mistake was handled. Without them, the account rests on the tribute as it was published and the reaction it drew from critics.

People reacting to the post criticised Mbalula, with some correcting the spelling of Albertina Sisulu’s surname and others questioning the care taken when honouring a figure whose family name holds a significant place in South Africa’s history. Some said the error was a minor slip and that the substance of the tribute should not be overshadowed, while others said getting the name of a struggle icon wrong showed a lack of respect.

What remains unresolved is whether Mbalula has responded to the criticism or corrected the tribute since it was published. The post does not say whether the error was fixed or whether the ANC commented on it. The public is waiting for a response, because the mistake has drawn attention to how public figures honour struggle icons and whether the tribute’s message has been overshadowed by the spelling error.

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