Fikile Mbalula
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
FIKILE Mbalula has denied any wrongdoing and stressed his constitutional rights after AfriForum released a dossier alleging corruption and misconduct by Mbalula, and indicated it will engage US officials using the Magnitsky Act, which allows for sanctions against individuals implicated in corruption or human rights abuses.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, AfriForum unveiled what it calls the “Mbalula Dossier”, a report outlining allegations of fraud, money laundering, and corruption against the ANC secretary-general.
The group says the report will underpin its efforts to lobby US authorities to impose targeted sanctions on Mbalula personally, rather than measures that could affect the broader South African economy.
AfriForum's Ernst van Zyl, Kallie Kriel, and Advocate Gerrie Nel during the media briefing on the Mbalula Dossier.
Image: AfriForum
The organisation argues that Mbalula’s recent rhetoric and political positioning risk straining South Africa’s diplomatic relations, particularly with Western partners.
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel said the organisation’s primary concern is to protect ordinary citizens from the fallout of any international action.
He added that controversial remarks attributed to Mbalula, including comments about US officials, are undermining efforts to stabilise relations.
The corruption-related section of the dossier was compiled by Gerrie Nel and his team at AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit.
Nel confirmed that he has written to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), urging it to reconsider prosecuting Mbalula on charges of fraud, money laundering, and corruption.
“No one should be immune from prosecution simply because they hold a senior position,” Nel said.
AfriForum claims there is a prima facie case linked to the alleged payment for a Dubai holiday taken by Mbalula and his family in 2016. The organisation has also signalled it is prepared to pursue private prosecution if the NPA declines to act.
In a separate matter, Nel said progress has been made toward a possible private prosecution on a charge of crimen injuria linked to earlier public statements involving the alleged misidentification of an individual.
At the heart of AfriForum’s argument is the risk that escalating tensions with the United States could carry wider economic consequences for South Africa.
Kriel accused Mbalula of placing political ambition ahead of national interest.
However, Mbalula has pushed back strongly against the allegations.
In a response issued through his lawyers, Mothilal Attorneys, he denied any wrongdoing and stressed his constitutional rights.
“We place on record that our client has not been charged or prosecuted in relation to the unfounded allegations set out and vehemently denies all of the baseless allegations in this regard,” the letter read.
“Our client is entitled to the constitutionally entrenched right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, as enshrined in Section 35(3)(h) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.”
His legal team also warned AfriForum against making public claims that could damage his reputation or prejudice due process.
They argued that any media briefing based on unproven allegations could amount to defamation and risk creating a “trial by media”, potentially undermining judicial processes.
“Any allegations made must be done through proper legal channels, with evidence, and without pre-empting judicial outcomes,” the letter stated.
Cape Times