Fikile Mbalula Defends ANC: ‘We are fighting corruption every day’

ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, has defended the party against being corrupt, asserting that the ANC is “not corrupt” but rather actively fighting corruption every day.

Speaking at the 9th Ehlanzeni Regional Conference in Mbombela over the weekend, Mbalula urged party members to lead by example, embrace ethical conduct, and abandon practices that have tarnished the ANC’s image in recent years.

“The ANC today does not take responsibility for individual members caught in corruption. You are caught, you are charged,” Mbalula told delegates, insisting that the era of political solidarity for the accused is over.

“Before, we used to have comrades going to court together, singing and wearing party t-shirts. That thing has come to an end.”

His comments come as the ANC continues to grapple with serious allegations of corruption at the highest levels, including findings from the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

The commission unearthed widespread graft involving ANC-linked officials, implicating senior party leaders in looting billions from state institutions.

Despite the ANC’s repeated promises to clean house, public trust in the party has plummeted.

A string of corruption scandals—including those tied to COVID-19 relief funds, Eskom procurement fraud, and the misuse of municipal budgets—has severely damaged the ANC’s once formidable reputation.

Mbalula acknowledged the party’s checkered past, describing corruption as “dangerous” and citing the Zondo Commission as a painful but necessary reckoning.

“Billions were recovered. Assets were stolen. Some were frozen,” he said.

In a stern warning, Mbalula made it clear that the days of unchecked behaviour by ANC leaders are numbered.

“Respect the ANC. The time when people behave as they wish, it's over now. This starts with the NEC. If NEC does not give leadership, the rest will follow their example,” he said.

He also condemned infighting and public insults among members on social media, which he said further erodes the ANC’s credibility.

While Mbalula has pledged reform, critics argue that words alone will not restore the party’s standing—only accountability, transparency, and decisive action will.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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