Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Retracts Vote-Buying Claims Against Ronald Lamola

Former Cabinet minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma retracted allegations that International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola participated in vote-buying during the African National Congress's 2017 national conference. Dlamini-Zuma had previously claimed on the African Renaissance Podcast that a voice note implicated Lamola in paying delegates to secure votes.

Ronald Lamola denied the claims, stating the voice in the recording was not his, and threatened legal action if the statements were not withdrawn. Following this, Dlamini-Zuma withdrew the specific attribution to Lamola, though she asserted that the influence of money in leadership contests remains a critical issue for the integrity of the party.

Separate allegations from Dlamini-Zuma target ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, whom she accused of openly distributing money during the 2022 conference to secure elections for himself and the president. Mbalula has denied these accusations and initiated legal proceedings, demanding that Dlamini-Zuma either retract the claims or provide substantiation.