Fikile Mbalula's 2016 Holiday Scandal: Afriforum Inches Closer to Prosecution

• Many South Africans have shown support for Afriforum’s decision to pursue the private prosecution of the ANC’s Fikile Mbalula
• The lobby group confirmed that it had the case docket relating to Mbalula’s 2016 family trip to Dubai
• The former Sports Minister reportedly received a loan from Sedgars to fund the trip, which was SASCOC’s technical supplier at the time

Zingisa Chirwa is an experienced Briefly News journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, who has covered corruption and current affairs on the radio for over 15 years.

Many South Africans have backed Afriforum’s bid to pursue the prosecution of ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.

Fikile Mbalula's 2016 Dubai trip under scrutiny

The lobby group revealed that it had received the case docket relating to Mbalula's 2016 family holiday, bringing it closer to privately prosecuting the former Sports Minister.

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In 2023, the National Prosecuting Authority decided against pursuing the corruption charges against Mbalula due to a lack of evidence. The then Sports Minister allegedly funded his 2016 holiday with a loan from Sedgars, SASCOC’s then-technical supplier.

In a statement, AfriForum’s Barry Bateman said the evidence suggested that Mbalula has several benefactors who fund his extravagant lifestyle. The spokesperson also told SAFM that Mbalula accepted the loan as a form of gratification and likened the situation to former ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa's ongoing corruption case. Kodwa appeared in court on 5 June 2024 for charges stemming from allegations he received more than R1.6 million from former EOH boss Jehan Mackay to influence the awarding of contracts.

South Africans applaud Afriforum

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Many netizens approved of Afriforum's action against Mbalula and suggested that the lobby group prosecute other politicians accused of corrupt activities.

@Zweli_Thixo said:

"The script is already coming into play. They will get arrested 1 by 1. The downfall is this one."

@Thembisile_Q exclaimed:

"What a time to be alive"

@Kharrotie added:

"Lol, when people pray for your downfall, they make sure"

@MakiMarish suggested:

"All the criminals, including Mr Phala Phala, must be prosecuted."

@AHT_YssY speculated:

"Afriforum is about to replace the toothless NPA under this government of national unity thing with DA."

KPMG fraudster Fidelis Moema's mother implicated in fraud

Briefly News reported that Dikeledi Moema supported her son Fidelis in his R16.6 million money laundering bail application.

Moema now faces over 400 charges, including fraud and money laundering, alongside two other accused in a high-profile case.

Despite pleading for leniency due to her age and health, prosecutors alleged that she lived a luxurious lifestyle contrary to her claims.

Source: Briefly News