ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula threatens legal action against Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma over vote-buying allegations

This follows Dlamini-Zuma's allegations on Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s podcast that Mbalula used money to secure his election as secretary-general at the party’s 54th national conference in 2022. She claimed that money was distributed, including by Mbalula in a clinic, to influence both his election and that of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Dlamini-Zuma stated that ANC elective conferences are no longer legitimate contests, questioning the independence of decisions made by those who were allegedly paid.

Mbalula, at an ANC NEC meeting in Boksburg, described Dlamini-Zuma’s statements as “erratic” and “unexpected,” suggesting she should have raised these matters formally within the organization. He questioned her loyalty to the ANC, especially as the party prepares for local government elections, and indicated he would clear his name in court if Dlamini-Zuma fails to clarify her statements. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola was also implicated by Dlamini-Zuma in the alleged vote-buying, a claim he has denied and for which he has demanded a retraction.