South Africa's ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula Denies Vote‑Buying Allegations

ANC Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula has denied accusations made by former cabinet minister Nkosazana Dlamini‑Zuma that he distributed cash to delegates to secure votes at the party’s 2022 national conference in Nasrec. Dlamini‑Zuma claimed that money was used openly, even alleging that half a billion rand was found in a delegate’s room, and said the practice extended to the election of the party’s top seven officials.

Mbalula responded in a statement, saying the allegations are “very damaging and painful,” and that he has instructed his legal team to seek clarification from Dlamini‑Zuma. He categorically rejected the claims, stating he did not distribute money and that the accusations lack evidence. The dispute has revived debate over the role of money in ANC internal elections, but no legal proceedings have been launched yet.