Gwede Mantashe’s Biblical Comparison of ANC to David Sparks Backlash

African National Congress (ANC) National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe has sparked debate after comparing the ruling party to the biblical King David during a campaign event in the Free State.

Mantashe addressed community members at Meloding Community Hall in Virginia on Saturday, 24 October 2026, as the ANC intensified its campaign ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 4 November.

During his speech, Mantashe argued that the ANC was a party that acknowledged its mistakes, sought forgiveness and continued working towards its commitments. However, his biblical comparison did not sit well with some South Africans, who took to social media to challenge his reasoning and criticise the party’s governance record.

Mantashe used the story of King David to explain how he believed the ANC approached its shortcomings. He told the audience that David was known for making mistakes, seeking forgiveness and expressing gratitude after being forgiven.

“Those who go to church will know of a man called David. If you read, he is doing one of the three things. He is committing a mistake or a sin. He asked for forgiveness, and he is grateful that he has been forgiven,” Mantashe said.

He argued that the ANC followed a similar pattern, acknowledging that the party made mistakes but maintaining that it was willing to correct them and move forward.

The ANC chairperson also defended the party’s record on service delivery, particularly concerning housing projects and the provision of electricity.

Mantashe explained that delays in delivering certain services did not necessarily mean that the ANC had abandoned its commitments. He maintained that the party eventually fulfilled its promises, even if the process took longer than expected.

“If we said we’re going to build houses, we build them. Sometimes we build houses, and it takes too long to put electricity in those houses. But ultimately we put in that electricity,” he said.

His remarks came as political parties stepped up their campaigns to win support ahead of the upcoming local government elections, with service delivery remaining a major concern for many communities.

Mantashe’s comparison between the ANC and the biblical David drew criticism on social media, with several users arguing that the party’s record made the analogy inappropriate.

Some commentators turned the comparison around, suggesting that the ANC was better represented by Goliath, the powerful biblical figure defeated by the young David.

One user, @LethaboTheka75, wrote that South Africans were the Davids in the current political situation, while the ANC represented Goliath.

“The biblical David is South Africans as things stand, and the ANC is the Goliath. In the end, believe me, the results will be the same. David shall triumph,” the user wrote, referring to the 2024 elections as evidence that voters could challenge a dominant political party.

Another user, @absurdified, also rejected Mantashe’s interpretation, arguing that the biblical story portrayed David as an underdog standing up against an oppressive opponent.

“You cannot compare yourself to David; you are the Philistines. Philistines were the corrupt, arrogant enemy oppressing the people. David was the underdog who stood up, called out their giant, and defeated them. The ANC doesn’t get to be David,” the user commented.

As the 4 November elections approach, Mantashe’s remarks have added to the debate surrounding the ANC’s campaign message and whether its promises to correct past mistakes will convince voters to support the party at the polls.

Gwede Mantashe Compares the ANC to Biblical David, South Africans Criticise His Reasoning – Briefly.co.za

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