Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma defends vote buying claims against Fikile Mbalula, prepares for legal battle
ANC National Executive Committee NEC member Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has reiterated her statements regarding the influence of money in the party's leadership contests, despite facing legal action. The former Cabinet minister confirmed on Thursday, August 27, 2026, that she has instructed her lawyers to oppose the legal action initiated by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. The dispute stems from comments Dlamini-Zuma made in an interview on the African Renaissance Podcast, where she reflected on her unsuccessful bid for the ANC presidency at the party's 54th national elective conference in 2017. She questioned whether financial influence played a role in the outcome and alleged that votes were bought at the ANC's 2022 conference, specifically accusing Mbalula of distributing money. While she withdrew similar allegations against International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Dlamini-Zuma maintains her position concerning Mbalula. Mbalula served Dlamini-Zuma with legal papers on August 21, and she filed a notice of intention to oppose on August 25. Dlamini-Zuma stated she stands by her statements and the substance of her argument, adding that while the legal process will unfold in court, the political and organizational issue at the heart of the matter remains for the ANC to resolve. She emphasized that the influence of money in ANC elective conferences is a well-known problem that threatens the party's character and that she will continue to advocate for the
