Fikile Mbalula Threatens Legal Action Against Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Over Vote-Buying Claims

• Fikile Mbalula has addressed allegations that he distributed cash at a clinic during the 55th African National Congress National Conference
• The Secretary General of the ANC also indicated what action he was taking against Nkosizana Dlamini-Zuma following the allegations
• South Africans shared their thoughts about Mbalula’s comments and Dlamini-Zuma’s allegations against the party's SG

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

GAUTENG — Fikile Mbalula has publicly warned that he may take Nkosizana Dlamini-Zuma to court following the allegations she made about him.

Dlamini-Zuma claimed that the African National Congress Secretary General handed out money at a clinic during the 55th ANC National Conference at Nasrec to secure votes for himself and President Cyril Ramaphosa.

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Speaking at a press briefing in Boksburg on Friday, 7 August 2026, Mbalula confirmed he had written to Dlamini-Zuma through his attorneys, instructing her to retract or clarify the allegations. He said failure to do so would result in court proceedings.

Mbalula denies any vote-buying at Nasrec

Reacting to the allegations, Mbalula again denied that he dished out money. He argued that once a damaging claim enters the public record without being challenged, it effectively becomes accepted as fact.

"If they are told that Mbalula was dishing money, then it remains a fact in the annals of history," he said.

He added that unsubstantiated accusations of this nature left him with no option but to seek legal recourse.

“I’ve written to her, advised by my lawyer, that she must clarify those issues. And the failure to do so, we will go to court. It’s not a threat. That’s what I’m going to do,” he added.

South Africans weigh in on Mbalula’s comments

The footage drew sharp responses on social media, with South Africans sharing their thoughts about Mbalula’s comments and Dlamini-Zuma’s allegations.

Stanley Mzwakhe said about Dlamini-Zuma:

"Her husband did the same in 2007, and she enjoyed the benefits. This is how politics works."

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Helen Zille takes swipe at ANC as Dlamini Zuma and Mbalula trade blows over vote-buying claims

Dumisani Bongoza wrote:

"Mbalula is capable of dishing money. I know him."

Msimanga Makhamba claimed:

"The ANC is self-destructing. I'm telling you."

Justice Mkhungo added:

"Fikile Mbalula is extremely arrogant. He can't do the wrong thing and then threaten a whistleblower with internal processes. Is he also denying the Dubai Trip and Bozwana issue?"

King Tshilidzi Makhwanya offered simply:

"Truth hurts."

Lamola threatens to sue Dlamini-Zuma

Briefly News reported that Ronald Lamola demanded a public retraction from ANC veteran Dlamini-Zuma.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation made the demand after allegations made by her.

Lamola said he would first pursue internal ANC dispute processes before escalating the matter to court.

Source: Briefly News