African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula admitted on Thursday that as the ruling party in government, the ANC has not done enough to better the lives of South Africans, and added that the party accepts criticism that it could have done better. 

He was addressing the media on the review of the party’s Election Manifesto, which will take place on September 2 at the Orlando Stadium, in Soweto, and where President Cyril Ramaphosa will give a detailed account of the party’s progress in renewal and the promises made to South Africans.

This will be followed by reviews in all nine provinces, regions and branches.   

Mbalula said the review was an opportunity to turn around the practices that undermine the integrity of the country's democratic institutions and create the potential for higher rates of economic growth and development. 

"Although we could have moved faster and the quality of services could have been much better, regrettably there have also been reversals in some critical areas. As a nation we have also learnt the harsh impact of society and the economy, arising from loss of integrity in institutions of State and business and in political and other formations,” said Mbalula. 

South Africa is currently faced with an energy crisis, with long bouts of loadshedding, which continues to cripple small businesses and, in some cases, also results in job losses. 

Mbalula said the ANC had learnt hard lessons about the vigilance needed to stop crippling lawlessness, greed and selfishness. 

He said as the party of government, the ANC should have acted faster and moved decisively. 

"We were remiss in not preventing a drift from the integrity that inspired the generation whose mission was to achieve a democratic and inclusive society. We have heard the cries of millions about things that went wrong. We accept the criticism. Having learnt from both the good and the bad of the past 25 years, informed by our history of commitment to the people's cause, we are resolved to make this an era of renewal and hope,” said Mbalula. 

Outlining the ANC's renewal plan to turn things around, he said the ANC had started to revive the economy and speed up the growth and creation of economic opportunities. 

He added that the Stimulus and Recovery Plan would help improve the lives of South Africans.

Mbalula believes that working with all sectors, his party will renew State institutions and point the economy towards a better life for all. 

“A march to a better South Africa is unstoppable. The road ahead will not be easy,” he admitted.