JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — Internal political fractures are widening as ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula vehemently denies explosive ANC vote-buying allegations leveled against him by ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
The public squabble erupted after Dlamini-Zuma made a series of damning accusations regarding financial corruption during a podcast interview that aired on Monday. According to the NEC member, illicit financial influence played a central role in the outcomes of the ANC’s 55th National Conference in 2022, fundamentally altering the party’s leadership structure.
Dlamini-Zuma alleged that the current ANC top seven officials were essentially “procured with money.” Addressing Mbalula directly, she claimed that the Secretary General effectively bought his way into the secretariat and that financial manipulation was the deciding factor in her own electoral defeat.
“I thought I was going to win, but maybe money,” Dlamini-Zuma stated during the interview, adding that the use of money to secure positions is explicitly criminal under the party’s conference rules.
To support her claims, Dlamini-Zuma detailed several specific incidents of alleged financial misconduct. She referenced a purported voice note involving ANC NEC member Ronald Lamola, in which individuals were allegedly heard “waiting for the money” to avoid disruptions. Furthermore, she claimed that half a billion rand was discovered in a room on the morning of the conference.
She also alleged that Mbalula was openly “dishing” out cash to secure his election and the election of the party president. Dlamini-Zuma insisted the distribution of funds was done proudly and without secrecy, noting that the media and those working at the venue at the time were fully aware of the cash distributions. When asked if money remains central to the party’s upcoming leadership board conference, she reaffirmed that financial influence continues to play a massive role in the ANC’s internal politics.
Taking none of the accusations lightly, Mbalula has strongly rubbished the claims. In an official statement, the Secretary General dismissed the assertions as “very damaging and painful.” He announced that he has instructed his lawyers to seek immediate clarity from Dlamini-Zuma regarding the allegations, signaling potential legal repercussions.
The fallout has also prompted a sharp response from Ronald Lamola, who was directly referenced in the podcast interview. Lamola strongly rebutted the allegations tied to his name and issued a stern warning to Dlamini-Zuma. He has demanded that she publicly retract her statements or face imminent legal action, while also urging her to conduct herself in a “comradely manner.”
As the ruling party navigates these public accusations, the clash between the party’s top officials highlights ongoing internal tensions regarding corruption, patronage, and the integrity of the ANC’s electoral processes.
