By: Saneliso Mlambo
African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has rejected allegations by NEC member Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma that he used money to influence the party’s 2022 leadership elections.
Mbalula issued a strongly worded personal statement after Dlamini-Zuma alleged during an interview on the African Renaissance Podcast, hosted by former EFF MP Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, that cash was used to secure leadership positions at ANC conferences.
Dlamini-Zuma claimed that money was distributed during the ANC’s 55th National Conference at NASREC in December 2022. She alleged that Mbalula used cash to secure his election as secretary-general and support Cyril Ramaphosa’s successful bid for a second term as ANC president.
Mbalula said the claims were false and damaging to his reputation.
“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,” he said.
He maintained that his election was conducted through a free and fair process using a secret ballot in line with ANC constitutional rules.
Mbalula said the election process was overseen by an independent Electoral Commission, which included representatives from ANC provinces and leagues.
He added that no branch, region, province or league challenged the outcome of the election at the time or in the years that followed.
Mbalula said he had consulted his legal representatives over Dlamini-Zuma’s allegations.
He challenged her to submit any evidence through the ANC’s internal accountability structures, including the Integrity Commission, rather than making public accusations.
Mbalula said the ANC and its officials reserved all legal rights regarding the allegations.
The dispute has reignited debate about the role of money in internal ANC leadership contests, with questions around political funding and influence remaining a long-running issue within the governing party.
Despite the public clash, Mbalula urged ANC members and South Africans to focus on the party’s political responsibilities ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
He called on ANC structures to concentrate on organising communities and preparing for the November election campaign.
The ANC has not announced any formal investigation into Dlamini-Zuma’s claims.