ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has defended the ruling party against corruption claims, insisting the ANC is “not corrupt” but committed to cleaning up its ranks. Speaking at the 9th Ehlanzeni Regional Conference in Mbombela, he stressed that the party would no longer shield members accused of wrongdoing.
“You are caught, you are charged,” Mbalula told delegates, signalling a break from the past where members facing charges received public support. He criticised the old practice of comrades appearing at court in ANC T-shirts, saying bluntly: “That thing has come to an end.”
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The ANC continues to battle the fallout of the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, which exposed large-scale corruption involving senior officials. The findings detailed how billions were siphoned from state institutions, implicating high-ranking party leaders.
Acknowledging the devastating revelations, Mbalula described corruption as “dangerous” and admitted that the process was a painful but necessary reckoning. “Billions were recovered. Assets were stolen. Some were frozen,” he said, noting that the party can no longer ignore the damage caused.
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Mbalula Calls for Discipline and Ethical Leadership
Mbalula urged members to respect the ANC by leading with integrity and abandoning behaviour that damages the party’s image. “The time when people behave as they wish is over now. This starts with the NEC. If NEC does not give leadership, the rest will follow their example,” he warned.
He also condemned infighting and public insults on social media, stressing that such conduct only deepens mistrust among South Africans. While his pledge signals a reform push, critics argue that only real accountability and transparency—not rhetoric—can restore the ANC’s credibility.
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