Mbalula defends ANC's step-aside rule from criticism amid Mchunu allegations:
Fikile Mbalula defends the ANC's step-aside rule, asserting its fairness amid ...
iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-07-20-mbalula-defends-ancs-step-aside-rule-from-criticism-amid-mchunu-allegations/
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Mbalula Upholds ANC’s Step-Aside Rule Amid ControversyFikile Mbalula confirms the rule’s consistent use as Senzo Mchunu faces corruption claims and was placed on leave by the president last week.
Key FactsJul 20, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
- Fikile Mbalula denied claims of selective enforcement, stating the rule applies once members are arrested or appear in court.
- Senzo Mchunu was immediately put on leave by President Ramaphosa but remains an elected ANC member while allegations are investigated.
- The step-aside rule is embedded in the ANC constitution and has been upheld by the Constitutional Court as lawful.
- The ANC’s National Working Committee continues provincial visits to strengthen local branches and will review recent reports to plan next steps.
There is nothing like selective justice, and selective application of the step-aside rule. If you are arrested, you appear before the courts, even before you appear. Once you are arrested, you step aside.— Fikile Mbalula, during a press conference defending the ANC's rule that requires members to step aside when facing serious allegations.
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left-wing nationalist political party in South Africa
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No charges, no step-aside: Mbalula backs Mchunu amid allegations and ongoing probe
iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-07-22-no-charges-no-step-aside-mbalula-backs-mchunu-amid-allegations-and-ongoing-probe/
Mbalula: No selective application of ANC's step-aside rule regarding Senzo Mchunu
iol.co.za/capeargus/news/2025-07-20-mbalula-no-selective-application-of-ancs-step-aside-rule-regarding-senzo-mchunu/
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Key FactsMbalula urges KwaZulu-Natal communities to back ANC
4 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
- At a Saturday meeting in uMshwathi, Mbalula said individual misconduct—not the party itself—was responsible for the ANC’s problems.
- Before the November 4 elections, campaign discussions were intended to address living costs, water and electricity infrastructure upgrades, and the choice of ANC councillor candidates.
- Mbalula said he had asked Eskom to address transformer problems in uMshwathi.
- The government planned to cut the fuel levy from November 4 to lower fuel costs and, in turn, ease pressure on food prices.
“The problem is the person, not the party. It is this person who has been given a job but doesn’t work but puts their hand in the till.”— ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said this during a campaign appearance in uMshwathi, criticizing individuals within the party while defending the ANC.
OpinionLUCKY MATHEBULA | Mbalula may have to take his own advice: Stepping aside would deprive him of some of the secretary-general’s political assets
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Key FactsANC Rules Could Require Mbalula to Step Aside
Sep 27, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
- Following AfriForum’s representations, the NPA decided to prosecute Mbalula for crimen injuria; formal charges reportedly remain pending.
- ANC guidelines require formally charged members accused of corruption or other serious crimes to step aside; whether crimen injuria qualifies remains disputed.
- Stepping aside would not constitute a conviction but a temporary political safeguard; Mbalula remains innocent unless his guilt is proven.
- A temporary withdrawal would cost Mbalula organisational access and authority, reducing the contest, for now, to Paul Mashatile and Patrice Motsepe.
Sit down.— Fikile Mbalula told Patrice Motsepe at an ANC gathering to sit down.
Mbalula step-aside ‘unjust’ as ANC leaders call AfriForum case politically motivated
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Key FactsANC leaders deem Mbalula’s step-aside requirement unjust
Sep 24, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mg.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mg.co.za
- The rule adopted at Nasrec in 2017 requires people charged with corruption or other serious crimes to leave party or government positions.
- The decision followed AfriForum’s July 28 submission and concerns Mbalula’s April 1, 2025 remarks about AfriForum and Jaco Pieterse.
- AfriForum spokesperson Barry Bateman accused Mbalula of publicly labeling a teacher a child rapist and degrading him without evidence.
- One ANC member opposed his step-aside; another party representative said the case’s political motivation still had to be assessed.
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit believes a criminal court will agree, convict him accordingly, and send a clear message that there are consequences for politicians who use their public platforms to spread lies with scant regard for the consequences.— Barry Bateman, AfriForum spokesperson, commenting on the NPA decision to prosecute Fikile Mbalula and related remarks about accountability for politicians who spread false accusations
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Key FactsRamaphosa Remains Key ANC Leader Amid Calls to Quit
Nov 18, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mg.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mg.co.za
- Fikile Mbalula described Cyril Ramaphosa as an asset to the party and warned that resigning would betray ANC members.
- Some members of the NEC have expressed desires for Ramaphosa to step down at the upcoming national general council.
- Ramaphosa challenged critics to confront him directly and stated willingness to resign if the party so decided.
- Mbalula highlighted that Ramaphosa was elected by ANC members and attempts to remove him have been unsuccessful.
He will not go because he was elected by members of the ANC, not by those who are peddling negativity.— Fikile Mbalula on Cyril Ramaphosa's loyalty to the ANC.
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Key FactsMchunu Maintains Roles Amid Corruption Probe
Jul 15, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mg.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mg.co.za
- ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula stated that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu will continue his parliamentary duties and remain on party committees despite being on special leave.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Mchunu following corruption allegations linked to KwaZulu-Natal police, appointing an acting police minister during the investigation.
- A commission chaired by Mbuyiseli Madlanga was established to investigate the claims, with the ANC endorsing the legal and institutional process.
- The ANC postponed its upcoming National Executive Committee meeting to finalize additional reports and to address issues including the alliance with the South African Communist Party and the national budget impasse.
If left unaddressed, these allegations threaten to erode public trust in institutions meant to uphold the law.— Fikile Mbalula made this statement during a media briefing regarding the corruption allegations against Senzo Mchunu.
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Jun 30, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
- The DA intends to introduce a no-confidence motion against President Ramaphosa over alleged inaction on ANC corruption.
- Following a 48-hour ultimatum, the DA withdrew from the national dialogue process immediately.
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We're behind the president and we are not moved by any threats, including ultimatums. Government is not run by ultimatums.— Fikile Mbalula, ANC Secretary-General, commented on the DA's threat of a no confidence motion.
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Key FactsANC Awaits Integrity Committee Report on Simelane
Dec 7, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mg.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mg.co.za
- Fikile Mbalula defended the decision not to force Minister Thembi Simelane to step aside until investigations are complete.
- Simelane is accused of receiving a R500,000 "loan" linked to unlawful investments, raising concerns about her financial conduct.
- Mbalula emphasized that ANC rules apply only in cases of formal charges and that the party will await the integrity committee's report before taking action.
- The controversies surrounding Simelane have tarnished the ANC's reputation, with Mbalula acknowledging concerns about her continued position in government.
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