Fikile Mbalula threatens legal action, rejects Dlamini-Zuma’s ‘Vote-Buying’ podcast claims
The African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has hit back fiercely against explosive corruption allegations, issuing an official statement to deny distributing cash during critical party elective conferences.
The political storm erupted following an episode of the African Renaissance Podcast, hosted by Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, where veteran ANC stalwart Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma alleged that Mbalula openly handed out money “at the clinic” to secure his position and buy votes.
In a signed response issued in his personal capacity, Mbalula expressed “deep regret and real disappointment” over the public remarks.
He vehemently refuted the claims that the current ANC leadership was bought.
“I did not distribute money to delegates, at the facility referred to as the clinic or anywhere else, to procure my own election or the election of any other comrade,” Mbalula stated categorically.
He defended the integrity of his election as Secretary-General at the 55th National Conference at NASREC in December 2022, noting that the results were independently supervised by an Electoral Commission and went unchallenged by all party structures at the time.
Signaling that the internal rift will likely spill out into legal channels, Mbalula confirmed that he has instructed his legal team to act.
“I have consulted with my attorneys to seek clarity from Cde Dlamini-Zuma on her very damaging and painful allegations against my person,” he revealed.
Mbalula added that anyone with genuine evidence of electoral fraud or bribery should approach the party’s formal internal structures, pointing out that the ANC Integrity Commission exists precisely to address such claims.
The public sparring highlights ongoing factional tensions within South Africa’s governing party, threatening to distract from unified campaigns.
Despite the brewing legal battle, Mbalula urged party members to look past the controversy and focus heavily on grassroots mobilization ahead of the pivotal local government elections scheduled for November 4, 2026.
