Cape Town – The ANC has thrown its full support behind the appointment of Dina Pule as Minister of Social Development, saying she has taken responsibility for her past misconduct, undergone rehabilitation and earned the opportunity to serve in government once again.
According to IOL, Pule was removed from Cabinet in 2013 after Parliament’s Ethics Committee and the Public Protector found that, while serving as communications minister, she had breached the executive code of conduct. The findings included her failure to disclose a personal relationship that resulted in improper benefits linked to her department.
Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula defended President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Pule, describing her as a “capable and knowledgeable comrade”.
Mbalula acknowledged that the appointment had sparked public concern but said the ANC understood why South Africans expected the highest ethical standards from their leaders.
ANC SG Fikile Mbalula says the newly appointed Minister of Social Development, Dina Pule, should not be condemned in perpetuity after she was sanctioned, publicly apologised in Parliament, voluntarily stepped down without ANC directive, disappeared from structures on the advice… pic.twitter.com/TqwdDHRD0H
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) July 2, 2026
“We do not dismiss the concern this appointment has stirred, and we understand where it comes from,” he said. “Ours is a movement in the midst of renewing its values, its ethical standing and the trust of the people.”
He argued that Pule had already faced the consequences of her actions more than a decade ago, noting that she accepted the sanctions imposed on her. According to Mbalula, she stepped down from her government and parliamentary positions, withdrew from ANC leadership structures and chose not to remain in the public spotlight.
Instead, he said, Pule dedicated herself to community work, helping to uplift thousands of people away from public attention.
“That is what accountability looks like,” Mbalula said, adding that South Africans do not impose “life sentences” on individuals who have acknowledged wrongdoing, accepted punishment and demonstrated genuine efforts to rebuild trust.
He said the ANC believes in redemption and in the ability of people to correct their mistakes.
Accept Dina Pule. she is no longer corrupt says Fikile Mbalula #dinapule #Ronaldo #spain #Croatia pic.twitter.com/45W8hd5YQF
— Mabhengu (@sanebhengu1) July 3, 2026
Mbalula also revealed that Pule underwent internal ethics counselling within the ANC and consulted party veterans as part of her rehabilitation. He noted that these steps were voluntary, as the party’s Integrity Committee did not exist when she was sanctioned.
According to Mbalula, Pule gradually regained the confidence of ANC members through democratic processes. She was elected to the party’s National Executive Committee, entrusted with senior responsibilities in the ANC Women’s League and later returned to Parliament through the electoral process.
He maintained that someone who has accepted responsibility, served the appropriate sanction and rebuilt the confidence of both party members and voters should not be condemned indefinitely.
“The ANC stands fully behind Comrade Dina Pule, behind her ability and behind the President’s prerogative to constitute his executive,” Mbalula said.
He added that Pule understands the significance of being given another opportunity and appreciates the responsibility that comes with serving during a period in which the ANC is seeking to restore its ethical standing and rebuild public trust.
Mbalula concluded by saying Pule is determined to honour that responsibility through her service as Minister of Social Development.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
