Senior leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) have rallied behind party secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, who faces charges of crimen injuria. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decided to prosecute Mbalula following representations made by lobby group AfriForum on 28 July. The charges stem from remarks Mbalula made about AfriForum and Bergview College principal Jaco Pieterse during a press briefing on 1 April 2025. Mbalula described Pieterse as "an animal" and accused AfriForum of defending him.
The ANC's step-aside rule, adopted at its 2017 Nasrec conference, stipulates that anyone charged with corruption or serious crimes should step aside from government or party positions. However, senior ANC members argue that placing Mbalula on step-aside would be unjust, as they believe the prosecution is politically motivated. A senior ANC leader stated that despite disagreements with Mbalula, they would not advocate for his step-aside due to the AfriForum-led case.
AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit believes a criminal court will convict Mbalula and send a message to politicians who spread lies with scant regard for consequences. AfriForum spokesperson Barry Bateman said Mbalula understands the harm caused by false accusations, having turned to courts to interdict his accusers in the past. Bateman argued that Mbalula's comments about Pieterse fundamentally violated the teacher's right to dignity.
ANC leaders draw parallels between Mbalula's case and that of Vuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela, who was also targeted by AfriForum. In 2022, AfriForum pursued Mhlakaza-Manamela over an alleged assault on police protection and security services officer Lizzy Mojapelo. An ANC source argued that both cases are identical, with AfriForum pushing for the men's arrest, and that the organisation is pursuing a political agenda against the ANC.
The ANC source regarded AfriForum as a private organisation sponsored for political reasons, making it a mistake to entertain them. The source stated that AfriForum's involvement means the prosecution is likely politically motivated, and the ANC should not engage with the organisation. With elections approaching, the source expected attacks on the ANC from all fronts.
Another ANC source noted that the party would need to determine whether the charge against Mbalula constitutes a serious offence, as outlined in the step-aside rule. The source stated that normally, when a person is charged, members automatically have to step aside, but Mbalula's case is complicated by his position as secretary-general, which gives him authority to impose conditions on those required to step aside.
Mbalula's case highlights tensions between the ANC and AfriForum, with the ANC viewing the lobby group as pursuing a political agenda. As Mbalula awaits formal charges, the ANC's handling of the situation will be closely watched. The party's decision on whether to place Mbalula on step-aside will likely have significant implications for its internal dynamics and relations with external organisations.
Key points
- The ANC views the prosecution of Fikile Mbalula as politically motivated due to AfriForum's involvement.
- Senior ANC leaders argue that placing Mbalula on step-aside would be unjust.
- The ANC's step-aside rule applies to serious offences, but its application in Mbalula's case is complicated by his position as secretary-general.
