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"Not In Our Name": Fikile Mbalula Declares War on Corruption, Vows to "Smoke Out" Rogue ANC Members
Author: NewsInSA
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula delivered a blistering critique, denouncing members like Brown Mogotsi implicated in corruption and reaffirming the party's strict "step-aside" policy for those facing charges.
JOHANNESBURG – In a fiery and unequivocal address from Luthuli House, African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Fikile Mbalula launched a scathing attack on party members implicated in corruption, singling out Brown Mogotsi and vowing that the organization would never associate itself with such "dubious characters."
The media briefing on Thursday 2 October marked one of the most forceful recent declarations of the party's intent to cleanse its ranks, with Mbalula stating that accused members "must be rooted out, they must be smoked out."
A Line in the Sand: Condemning Brown Mogotsi
Mbalula did not mince words when addressing the activities of Brown Mogotsi, a member who has been publicly implicated in alleged corrupt activities.
“We will never associate ourselves with characters like Brown Mogotsi and his activities,” Mbalula stated emphatically. “He must account for that, and the ANC will stand up to such characters who pride themselves openly and publicly.”
The Secretary General expressed dismay at the lack of contrition, noting, “You can see there's no fear in his face, nor the pride of being an ANC member. And he throws it like as if it's a cheap thing... Not in our name. Not in our name.”
Corruption is "Treason Against the People"
Broadening his critique, Mbalula framed corruption as a fundamental betrayal of the ANC's values and the South African people.
“Corruption is treason against the people,” he declared. “It robs the poor, undermines service delivery, and desecrates the sacrifices that gave birth to our democracy.”
He acknowledged the public's eroded trust, stating, “The people are telling us out there very clearly. We trust the ideas of what the ANC stands for, but we don't trust the vehicle. Who are the people who are battering this vehicle? It's characters like those.”
Reaffirming the "Step-Aside" Policy and Legal Accountability
In his strongest reinforcement of party policy, Mbalula confirmed that any member facing corruption charges must step aside and will receive no support from the organization.
“Members of the ANC who are facing allegations of corruption, they will step aside from their roles as individuals, including their membership to the African National Congress,” he said. “There will be no support in T-shirt and ANC colours to any member who is facing these particular challenges.”
He emphasized that implicated individuals, including others like Vusi 'Cat' Matlala, "must face the full might of the law."
“They must be brought to book and the law must grind... It has got nothing to do with our movement. We know of such characters who have abused the name.”
Suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu to Face Integrity Commission
In related news, Mbalula confirmed that suspended Police Minister and National Executive Committee member Senzo Mchunu is scheduled to appear before the party's Integrity Commission.
“Comrade Senzo Mchunu is a matter that the Integrity Commission is seized with,” Mbalula said, while declining to divulge specific details to protect the process. “Most definitely what I can assure you of is that they will be appearing before the commission on their own volition. If not, they will be summoned.”
The address signals a concerted effort by the ANC leadership to publicly reassert its commitment to accountability ahead of a critical election period, aiming to draw a clear line between the party and the criminal activities of some of its members.
