Cape Town – As the ANC convenes its 5th National General Council (NGC) this week at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, a protest by some of its own staff has cast a shadow over the gathering.
Outside the conference venue, long-serving employees — many reportedly unpaid for months — carried placards and chanted for justice, warning that this festive season could be the hardest yet for their families.
Among the voices raised was that of Collen Malatji, president of the party’s Youth League, who called for accountability from top leadership.
“Why are the workers of the ANC not being paid? They’ve got families to take care of. They must buy clothes, they must prepare for December. We cannot be eating while ANC workers and their children go hungry,” he said.
Dan Semenya, spokesperson for the workers, told EWN late and non-payment of salaries is a persistent problem in the ANC.
Semenya said the ANC has also stopped paying towards the workers provident fund and medical aid. TCG pic.twitter.com/byGeyFtmX8
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) December 8, 2025
At the protest, staff members such as Nombuso Mthembu — who described years of unpaid provident-fund contributions, suspended medical aid and a cycle of neglect — said the situation had become unbearable.
“Medical aid is deducted, but when you get to the doctor, you’re told your medical aid has been suspended,” she explained. “Some of us are single parents. Our children depend solely on our salaries. What must we do now?”
[WATCH] “We fully support their protest.” ANCYL president Collen Malatji says they are going to join the ANC members who will protest against the party over unpaid salaries. #ANCNGC2025 pic.twitter.com/TOxommpCYT
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) December 8, 2025
The crisis, which employees say has recurred for years, has triggered concern from unions including NEHAWU (National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union), which joined the picket in solidarity.
On the other side, party leadership acknowledged the delays — but described the situation as under control.
Fikile Mbalula, the party’s Secretary-General, admitted that some senior staff still awaited payment, but said lower-level workers had been paid and that the ANC was working “through fundraising efforts” to settle outstanding salaries.
“We are working on resolving this issue… to ensure that our staff bill is settled,” he said.
ANC SG Fikile Mbalula says salaries at Luthuli House, including for management and himself, have not been paid because staff salaries were prioritized.
He adds that at the NGC meeting, the NEC will address the issue decisively so it doesn’t happen again. pic.twitter.com/NIRLapIwvc
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) December 8, 2025
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
