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 expressed satisfaction with a High Court decision rejecting an application by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula seeking to compel her to withdraw and apologise for statements she made publicly.

The judgment was delivered by Acting Judge HM Viljoen after Mbalula approached the court over remarks Dlamini-Zuma made during an interview on the African Renaissance Podcast. During the interview, she alleged that financial inducements were used to influence delegates during the ANC’s 2022 elective conference, where Mbalula was elected Secretary-General.

However, the court declined to issue the order requested by Mbalula. Instead, Judge Viljoen determined that the central factual issues surrounding the dispute should be resolved through oral evidence. This means both Dlamini-Zuma and Mbalula are expected to appear in court, provide evidence under oath and undergo cross-examination. Additional witnesses could also be heard if the court approves their participation.

Responding to the judgment, Dlamini-Zuma said she was satisfied with the direction taken by the court. “I welcome the judgment which directs, as I respectfully submitted, that the matter is better determined by way of oral evidence,” she said.

She also indicated that she would continue cooperating with the judicial process while refraining from publicly discussing the details of the case.

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Dlamini-Zuma said the matter raised wider questions about internal party elections and the need for greater transparency. “If the ANC is to renew itself, it must confront the use of money in its internal elective processes honestly,” she stated.

The dispute originated from comments made during an August podcast appearance, where Dlamini-Zuma discussed allegations that money had been used to secure support during ANC leadership contests. Mbalula has rejected the allegations and maintains that the remarks were defamatory.

The latest ruling therefore moves the dispute toward an evidentiary hearing, where the competing accounts of the two senior ANC figures can be examined under oath. The proceedings are expected to attract considerable attention as the court considers the evidence surrounding the allegations.

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

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