ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has strongly condemned a recent City Press article titled “Mbalula’s shady trip to Libya on Mazzotti’s jet”, describing it as a baseless attempt to damage his reputation.
Mbalula dismissed the report as “a fishing expedition” meant to create scandal where none exists. He said the article’s references to ministerial rules, ANC finances, and an AU conference were nothing more than a “shoddy patchwork” driven by desperation to discredit him.
Defending his trip, Mbalula insisted that his visit to Libya was legitimate and transparent. “As Secretary General, I receive invitations to various countries across Africa and beyond. Many of these trips are not publicized, and it’s curious that City Press chose to single out this one,” he stated.
He accused the publication of fabricating controversy by focusing on the ownership of the jet, despite having no evidence of any wrongdoing. “For too long, I’ve been a target of those who wish to tarnish my name. This pattern of character assassination through innuendo and rumor must stop,” he said.
Mbalula warned that allowing the media to peddle unfounded stories for profit threatens citizens’ rights and public trust. He confirmed that his legal team has been instructed to pursue a defamation case against City Press.
“I reject the insinuations of the City Press article with the contempt they deserve,” Mbalula concluded.