Johannesburg – ANC veteran Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has withdrawn her claim that a controversial voice note was from International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola.
Dlamini-Zuma made the attribution during an appearance on the African Renaissance Podcast, where she also raised concerns about the influence of money in ANC leadership contests.
Dear Comrade @DlaminiZuma
Open Letter re alleged Lamola recording
I have noted with concern and disappointment the remarks you made recently on a podcast with Dr Ndlozi. You are a leader I have long held in high esteem throughout my years of activism in the African National… https://t.co/rg0FoBEEPg pic.twitter.com/loZD9bMiQL
— Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) August 5, 2026
In a statement on Tuesday, she said Lamola had told her the voice was not his.
“During my participation in the African Renaissance Podcast, I attributed a voice note to comrade Ronald Lamola. Comrade Lamola has since advised me that the voice was not his. I withdraw the attribution on the basis of his clarification,” she said.
During my participation in the African Renaissance Podcast, I attributed a voice note to comrade Ronald Lamola. Comrade Lamola has since advised me that the voice was not his. I withdraw the attribution on the basis of his clarification.
The broader concern I raised regarding…
— Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma (@DlaminiZuma) August 25, 2026
However, Dlamini-Zuma maintained that her broader concerns about money influencing leadership contests within the ANC remained.
“The broader concern I raised regarding the influence of money in leadership contests remains an important matter that must be addressed for the renewal and integrity of the African National Congress,” she said.
Lamola had earlier demanded that Dlamini-Zuma retract the allegation and apologise.
He denied involvement in vote-buying during the ANC’s 54th National Conference in 2017, when Cyril Ramaphosa defeated Dlamini-Zuma for the party presidency.
“I categorically deny any involvement in vote-buying, whether through phone calls, voice notes, or any other medium,” Lamola said.
He had initially urged Dlamini-Zuma to resolve the dispute through ANC structures rather than the courts, but called on her to publicly withdraw the claim and apologise.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
