ANC Leaders Threaten Lawsuits Over Vote-Buying Allegations

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola are threatening legal action against party veteran Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma following her claims that money influenced internal leadership contests. During an appearance on the African Renaissance Podcast, Dlamini-Zuma alleged that Mbalula distributed money to delegates during the 2022 national conference at Nasrec to secure votes, claiming half-a-billion rand was discovered in a room on the first morning of the event.

Mbalula has categorically denied the allegations, defending the legitimacy of his December 2022 election as secretary-general. He has demanded a retraction or substantiation of the claims, stating there is no political solution to the reputational damage and warning that the matter will go to court. He further noted that unchallenged claims could trigger investigations by law enforcement agencies such as the Hawks.

Simultaneously, Ronald Lamola demanded a retraction after Dlamini-Zuma suggested he was involved in vote-buying during the 2017 national conference, citing an audio recording. Lamola denied the recording was his voice and, while expressing a preference for internal party resolution, also threatened court action. Dlamini-Zuma has maintained that money played a role in the 2022 conference and that elective contests are no longer legitimate.

These legal threats emerge as the party prepares for local government elections on November 4, 2026.