ANC NEC member Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has welcomed the Johannesburg High Court's decision to hear oral evidence in the defamation case brought against her by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. Acting Judge Henno Viljoen handed down the judgment on Friday, directing that the central factual dispute between the two ANC leaders be tested through oral evidence from the parties and witnesses. Dlamini-Zuma expressed her welcome for the judgment, highlighting that it directs the matter to be determined by way of oral evidence.
The judgment followed Mbalula's application for an order compelling Dlamini-Zuma to retract and apologize for statements she made during an interview on the African Renaissance Podcast. However, the court did not grant the relief sought by Mbalula. Instead, the court directed that the central factual question be determined through oral evidence from the parties and witnesses. Dlamini-Zuma highlighted that she remains committed to cooperating with the Court's processes.
The defamation case followed Dlamini-Zuma's allegation that Mbalula distributed money to delegates at a clinic during the ANC's 2022 National Conference to secure his election as secretary-general and help secure Cyril Ramaphosa's re-election as ANC president. Mbalula has denied the allegations. The court found that the central factual dispute could not be satisfactorily determined from the affidavits and ordered oral evidence from Mbalula, Dlamini-Zuma, and ANC member Mandla Themba Sibiya.
The court also ordered Mbalula and Dlamini-Zuma to make themselves available for cross-examination. This development is seen as a significant step in the case, as it will allow both parties to present their evidence and be questioned by each other. The ANC's internal elective processes have been marred by allegations of vote-buying, and this case has highlighted the need for the party to confront this issue.
Dlamini-Zuma said the case highlighted the need for the ANC to confront the use of money in its internal elective processes. She emphasized that out of respect for the Court, she will not argue this matter in the public domain any further. The ANC has been criticized for its handling of internal elections, with allegations of vote-buying and other forms of malpractice.
The Johannesburg High Court's decision to hear oral evidence in the defamation case is seen as a significant development in the matter. The court's decision will allow both parties to present their evidence and be questioned by each other. This will help to determine the truth behind the allegations made by Dlamini-Zuma against Mbalula.
The case is ongoing, with Mbalula and Dlamini-Zuma set to present their oral evidence in court. The ANC has expressed its commitment to resolving the matter through the courts. Key to the case are allegations that Mbalula distributed money to delegates at the ANC's 2022 National Conference.
Key points
- The Johannesburg High Court has ordered oral evidence in the defamation case brought against Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma by Fikile Mbalula.
- Dlamini-Zuma alleged that Mbalula distributed money to delegates at the ANC's 2022 National Conference to secure his election as secretary-general.
- The court's decision will allow both parties to present their evidence and be questioned by each other.
