McBride Confirms ANC Membership, Sparks Public Reaction Over Committee Conduct
- Robert McBride confirmed ANC membership amid scrutiny over his outdated CV submission
- Mixed public reactions follow McBride's testimony and perceived arrogance during parliamentary proceedings
- McBride faces allegations of police interference as MPs express frustration over his attitude and secrecy
Source: Twitter
Former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride confirmed in Parliament that he is a member of the African National Congress (ANC). He appeared before the Ad Hoc Committee on 20 January 2026, where he quickly came under fire for his attitude and sparked debates over his political affiliation.
McBride is scheduled to testify on 20 and 21 January 2026, during which he is expected to respond to allegations that he interfered in police operations.
MPL Member Dereleen James posted on X about McBride confirming his ANC membership.
DON'T MISS IT: Stay Away From Fake News With Our Short, Free Fact-Checking Course. Join And Get Certified!
The public on social media commented that McBride's attitude and perceived arrogance speaks volume about his political affiliation. Some voices defended his right to political affiliation, noting that South Africans, including public officials, are free to belong to any party.
Public reaction
@African_Spring joked:
"Now Mbalula has to go and verify if Robert McBride is indeed an ANC member. He sure should hate his job by now.
@CynthieHobbs stated:
"There isn't a position he has occupied that he has not investigated for one or other misconduct! In the ANC, you just get redeployed elsewhere in government with the stench of corruption all around you!
@Mramatla_ said:
"Robert McBride was a member of ANC, so corruption to them means nothing, look how old these people are !"
@Gifthenation27 remarked:
"Arrogance speaks volumes. He knows a lot about his comrades."
@moregish stated:
"Didn't we all know that he is and has always been a member of the ANC? What's wrong with that?"
McBride was suspended in 2021
Robert McBride was reported in 2021 to have been suspended from his role at the State Security Agency, where he was head of the foreign branch, although the agency did not publicly disclose the reasons for the suspension. McBride, also formerly chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police, faced public attention as details around the suspension remained confidential.
Source: Getty Images
Articles on the Ad Hoc committee
Previously, Briefly News reported that EFF leader Julius Malema has called on Parliament to ensure that forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan and businessman Brown Mogotsi appear in person before the Ad Hoc Committee investigating alleged interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system, insisting that “no one is above the law.” Many MPs from various parties agreed that both men should be summoned physically rather than testify virtually, dismissing safety concerns as insufficient justification. The committee is tasked with probing claims made by KwaZulu‑Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and has already scheduled testimony from several high‑profile figures.
In other news, North West businessman Brown Mogotsi said he was too frightened to appear in person before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, opting instead to give his testimony virtually due to concerns for his safety. MPs on the committee discussed his security fears, with some acknowledging the anxiety but still emphasising the importance of in‑person accountability. Public reaction has been mixed, with some critics questioning his credibility and commitment to the process.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
