Lamola Threatens to Sue Dlamini-Zuma Over ANC 2017 Vote-Buying Claims
- Minister Ronald Lamola issued an open letter on 5 August 2026 demanding a public retraction from ANC veteran Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
- Dlamini-Zuma made the allegations during a podcast interview, citing an audio recording she claimed involved Lamola
- Lamola said he would first pursue internal ANC dispute processes before escalating the matter to court
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Getty Images
SOUTH AFRICA — International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola is threatening court proceedings against party stalwart Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma over claims she made tying him to cash-for-votes tactics during the ANC's 2017 elective assembly.
The minister issued a public statement on 5 August 2026, voicing frustration over remarks Dlamini-Zuma delivered on the African Renaissance Podcast, hosted by Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. In the episode, she claimed financial inducements swayed the 2017 leadership race and referenced a voice recording she alleged belonged to him. Rejecting the assertion, Lamola maintained he played no part in vote procurement and noted that anyone familiar with his accent can easily tell the audio features someone else.
Lamola prefers ANC channels first
Despite the severity of the allegations, Lamola indicated he would initially seek resolution through the ANC's internal dispute mechanisms, citing Dlamini-Zuma's standing as a liberation struggle veteran as a reason for extending that courtesy. He made clear, however, that legal proceedings would follow if no retraction is forthcoming.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
"I am first seeking a resolution through the party's internal dispute mechanisms," Lamola wrote. He added that internal party debates must be conducted with what he described as honesty and revolutionary discipline.
Mbalula also under fire
The dispute extends beyond Lamola. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula similarly rejected Dlamini-Zuma's claims that he distributed money at a clinic during the 2022 Nasrec elective conference. Mbalula described the allegations as damaging and confirmed he had consulted legal counsel to seek clarity from Dlamini-Zuma directly.
Read Lamola's open letter on X:
Netizens discuss NDZ claims
South Africans reacted strongly to the unfolding intra-party conflict on social media.
@dramadelinquent wrote:
"She's opened a can of worms. Shame."
@ManziniZungu_ asked:
"Minister Lamola, if she doesn't retract, as we all know she will not, are you really going to sue her? Honestly? Has the comradeship ceased to exist? Can you find a mediator? Suing her is suing your senior. Laze lafa elihle kakhulu."
@malalaveve commented:
"She must produce that voice note she claims is yours. She's a sour loser, honestly. Even the voice note says nothing about the money. I have listened to it 3 times. She deserves to be sued if she doesn't withdraw."
@CheetahPlains posted:
"Don't use this account for stupid ANC factional battles 😤. The international community is looking at us. Act like a responsible Minister, for a change."
@GoosCharly added:
"Mr. Lamola, this official X profile is a government asset; please do not use it for factional battles. Thank you."
Ronald Lamola weighs in on ICC case by Ghanaians
In a related article, Briefly News reported on Lamola's strong defense against the ICC petition filed by two Ghanaian nationals regarding violence against foreign nationals in South Africa. Lamola emphasized that South Africa's domestic courts are fully equipped to handle such cases, challenging the petition's validity on legal grounds.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
