NDZ Scores Big Court Win Over Mbalula – Then Fires Warning Shot at ANC Money Politics

ANC National Executive Committee member Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has welcomed a High Court judgment that stops the party’s Secretary-General from forcing her to retract and apologise for her comments.

Acting Judge HM Viljoen handed down the ruling after ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula took her to court. Mbalula wanted an order compelling Dlamini-Zuma to take back statements she made on the African Renaissance Podcast. In that interview she claimed money was used to influence voting at the ANC’s 2022 elective conference, where Mbalula was elected Secretary-General.

The court refused to grant Mbalula the order he wanted. Instead, Judge Viljoen ruled that the key facts of the dispute must be decided through oral evidence. Both Dlamini-Zuma and Mbalula will now have to take the stand, give their versions under oath, and face cross-examination. Other witnesses may also be called, but only with the court’s approval.

In a public statement after the judgment, Dlamini-Zuma said she was pleased with the outcome. “I welcome the judgment which directs, as I respectfully submitted, that the matter is better determined by way of oral evidence,” she said. She confirmed she remains fully committed to cooperating with the court process.

While the legal fight is far from over, Dlamini-Zuma used the moment to deliver a sharp message about the state of the ruling party. “If the ANC is to renew itself, it must confront the use of money in its internal elective processes honestly,” she stated.

The veteran politician made it clear she will no longer discuss the details of the case in public. She said she is doing this out of respect for the judiciary.

The case stems from comments Dlamini-Zuma made during an August podcast interview. She raised concerns about money allegedly being used to buy support at ANC conferences. Mbalula has denied the claims and insists the statements were defamatory.

This ruling means the two senior ANC figures will soon face each other in court, with the truth of the vote-buying allegations set to be tested through live testimony. For many party members and the public watching, the outcome of the oral evidence stage will be closely followed.

Dlamini-Zuma’s latest remarks have once again put the spotlight on how money shapes leadership contests inside the ANC. Whether the party is ready to face those questions openly remains to be seen.

Source:https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2107088788677685335