Johannesburg – The African National Congress (ANC) has confirmed that businessman Oupa Brown Mogotsi, who has been implicated in allegations of organised criminal activity, is no longer a member of the ruling party.
In a statement issued on Friday, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the party’s membership records showed that Mogotsi’s membership had expired.
“We can now confirm that Mr Mogotsi is therefore not an ANC member,” she said.
The ANC said it viewed the allegations of criminal activity as “deeply concerning,” warning that such conduct undermines the safety and stability of communities and institutions. “We distance ourselves unequivocally from any form of organised criminal activity. Crime and corruption are the enemies of development and democracy,” the party said.
The confirmation comes after Mogotsi’s name was raised in connection with alleged dealings involving organised crime syndicates. His name was mentioned at the Madlanga commission of inquiry investigating allegations of criminality, corruption and political interference in the justice system.
The ANC stressed that no member of the party can participate in such activities and still claim to uphold the organisation’s principles.
The African National Congress (ANC) has noted recent allegations that certain individuals, including Mr Oupa Brown Mogotsi, are alleged to be involved in serious organised criminal activity. Our membership records confirm that Mr Mogotsi’s ANC membership has expired. We now can… pic.twitter.com/J2gCy2K8t6
— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) October 3, 2025
The governing party reiterated that its Constitution provides strict guidelines for membership and disciplinary processes. It noted that any individual implicated in criminal activity would have their application for membership reviewed in line with party rules, with the Secretary-General empowered to reject such applications.
“Membership of the ANC is not only a right; it comes with solemn duties,” the statement read. “Organised crime syndicates, by their very nature, undermine state capacity, hollow out institutions, and fuel corruption and violence. No ANC member can be part of such structures and still claim to honour the solemn declaration of membership.”
Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC would act “firmly and without hesitation” against any members found to be linked to criminal networks. Cases would be referred to the party’s Integrity Commission and disciplinary structures, and, where necessary, to law enforcement authorities.
“The ANC is bigger than any individual. Those who betray its values for greed, criminality or factional interests are not acting in the name of the ANC,” the statement concluded.
“Brown Mogotsi is a reflection of a bad ANC member if he is, because he is implicated on siphoning money in the name of the ANC” ANC SG Fikile Mbalula
“ANC can’t associate itself with such bad behaviour, ANC can’t pride itself of such people if they are its members”… pic.twitter.com/f7XsEaJBQt
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) October 2, 2025
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