By 
African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has fiercely rejected explosive vote-buying allegations leveled against him by party veteran Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, describing her remarks as “damaging and painful” and confirming that he has engaged legal counsel.
The political storm erupted following an episode of the African Renaissance Podcast—hosted by Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi—during which Dlamini-Zuma alleged that illicit money influenced internal outcomes at both the 54th and 55th ANC National Elective Conferences. Specifically, Dlamini-Zuma claimed that Mbalula openly handed out cash to delegates—including at an on-site medical facility—to secure his election as secretary-general and aid the election of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In a personal statement issued on August 4, 2026, Mbalula voiced “deep regret and real disappointment” over the comments, declaring that they created a wound so severe he could not leave them unanswered.
Categorical Denial and Constitutional Defense
“I Fikile Mbalula, deny these allegations in their entirety,” Mbalula wrote. “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, at the 55th National Conference, or the 54th National Conference, or at any conference, council or gathering of the African National Congress.”
Defending the legitimacy of his rise to the secretariat, Mbalula emphasized that his election at the December 2022 conference at Nasrec was conducted “freely and fairly” via secret ballot, in strict compliance with Rule 12.3 of the party’s constitution. He noted that the election was overseen, counted, and declared by an independent Electoral Commission (under Rule 14) endorsed by the National Conference.
“Not one branch, not one region, not one province and not one League challenged that declaration then, and none has challenged it in the years since,” Mbalula pointed out.
Legal Consultation and Organizational Channels
In response to the podcast remarks, Mbalula confirmed that he has sought legal representation to demand clarity from Dlamini-Zuma regarding her assertions.
He further noted that any party member holding evidence of corruption or election tampering should utilize formal internal structures rather than public platforms. “Where any member holds information about wrongdoing, the doors of this organization are open to them, and the Integrity Commission exists for precisely that purpose,” Mbalula stated, adding that the party reserves all of its legal rights.
Eyes on the 2026 Local Government Elections
Concluding his statement, Mbalula urged party members and South Africans not to let public spats distract from the ANC’s immediate political objectives. He called on comrades to focus on ground campaign work ahead of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for November 4, 2026.
As public interest intensifies, Mbalula’s decision to consult lawyers signals a potential high-stakes legal confrontation between two of the ruling party’s most prominent figures.
