Cape Town – African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has pushed back against what he called the unfair portrayal of the party as inherently corrupt, stressing that the ANC is actively working to combat corruption every day.
Addressing delegates at the 9th Ehlanzeni Regional Conference in Mpumalanga, Mbalula rejected claims that the organisation itself is corrupt, arguing that wrongdoing is carried out by individuals who must face the law.
“You are caught, you are charged,” Mbalula said, as quoted by IOL.
He added that the ANC has moved away from a past culture where leaders accused of corruption were defended or celebrated by the party.
“That thing has come to an end,” he said, referring to the practice of members wearing ANC regalia to court in support of colleagues facing criminal charges.
[WATCH] Mpumalanga is an ANC province that is determined to come back with a victory that is above its previous performance in the elections. If we continue to keep this spirit, all will go well. #ThePeoplesMovement #RoadToANCNGC pic.twitter.com/2f6JVDkFNV
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) September 7, 2025
Mbalula’s remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing criticism of the ANC’s handling of corruption, with opposition parties often accusing the organisation of shielding senior officials.
Speaking to delegates, he reiterated, as reported by The South African, that the ANC “will no longer shield corrupt members,” stressing that accountability has become a central principle of the party.
He added that the ANC can no longer afford to be seen as an organisation that tolerates wrongdoing.
The message gained further traction on social media, where clips of his speech circulated widely. One widely shared post summed up his remarks: “ANC isn’t corrupt. Members caught in corruption? Step aside. Billions recovered, assets frozen.”
The statement underscored Mbalula’s attempt not only to defend the ANC but also to highlight what he described as tangible actions taken to recover stolen funds and restore credibility.
Fikile Mbalula 🗣
“ANC isn’t corrupt. Members caught in corruption? Step aside. Billions recovered, assets frozen. We act against wrongdoing while keeping the party clean.” pic.twitter.com/QH0weiHciO
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) September 8, 2025
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Picture: X/@MbalulaFikile
Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
