KIMBERLEY, Northern Cape — ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has addressed mounting political and legal challenges, confirming that the African National Congress (ANC) is awaiting an official report on allegations involving Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, while simultaneously asserting that disputes over mayoral candidacy involving ANC NEC member Andile Lungisa will be settled in court.
Speaking at the Mayihlome Volunteers Assembly mobilisation in Kimberley on Saturday, Mbalula tackled several high-profile issues facing the party ahead of the local government elections.
Regarding Minister Pemmy Majodina, the ANC is investigating allegations that she used foul language toward a member of the public during a recent government event at the Kouga Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The incident, captured in a video circulating on social media, has prompted two parliamentary parties to lay formal complaints with the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests. Mbalula stated that he has requested a comprehensive report directly from the minister and will not offer a running commentary until the official details are verified.
On the internal party front, Mbalula addressed a letter sent by ANC NEC member Andile Lungisa, who contested the metrics used to exclude him as a mayoral candidate for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Mbalula emphasized that because Lungisa was an author of the ANC’s own candidacy guidelines, he is fully aware of the rules and constitutional processes. Mbalula noted that while political concerns should be raised through internal party channels, the decision to escalate the matter via legal representatives means the ANC will now address it strictly through the courts to avoid prejudicing the legal process.
The Secretary-General also spoke to broader frustrations surrounding local government election candidate selections, acknowledging isolated incidents where disgruntled members burned ANC t-shirts after feeling sidelined. Mbalula assured supporters that internal dispute resolution processes were followed to the letter, with NEC members mandated to intervene where challenges arose. While sporadic unrest was noted, he emphasized it was not on the scale of previous elections.
Mbalula stressed that the formal complaints phase has concluded and the party is now in full campaign mode. Any residual grievances will be handled on a case-by-case basis after the November 4 elections, while active legal matters will be defended accordingly in court.
Additionally, Mbalula touched upon an ongoing electoral court matter concerning candidates who faced challenges appearing on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) website. He reiterated that the ANC’s position remains unchanged, clarifying that the party is not fighting the IEC but rather resolving a specific matter of law, as detailed in a recent comprehensive press statement.
Despite the internal and external pressures, Mbalula expressed strong confidence in the ANC’s prospects in the Northern Cape. He praised the province’s hardworking membership and its leadership, specifically highlighting the continued dedication of provincial figures like Zamani Saul, affirming that the organization remains focused and certain of victory in the upcoming elections.
