Fikile Mbalula Takes Legal Action Against Brian Mogotsi Over Defamation Claims

Johannesburg – African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has announced that he is taking legal action against Brian “Brown” Mogotsi for defamation of character, following a series of public statements made by the North West businessman that Mbalula describes as false and damaging.

In a recent media briefing, Mbalula confirmed that his legal team has initiated proceedings against Mogotsi, accusing him of spreading unverified claims that tarnish both his personal reputation and that of the ANC.

“My lawyers are busy with him in terms of defamatory action. He will have to prove in court what he has said. I will deal with him through the courts, which is permissible in our country,” said Mbalula.

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Mbalula: Mogotsi Not an ANC Member

Mbalula also sought to set the record straight regarding Mogotsi’s alleged ties to the ANC, stating unequivocally that Mogotsi’s membership has lapsed and that he no longer holds any standing within the party.

“From a point of membership, he’s not a member of the ANC. His membership has lapsed. We clarified that. He’s not a member and has no authority to speak about the ANC or act on its behalf,” Mbalula asserted.

He further described Mogotsi as an “associate of certain leaders and factions” within the party, accusing him of attempting to gain relevance by exploiting old associations.

“He’s a hanger-on — someone who tries to attach himself to leaders. Genuine members of the ANC will never celebrate that kind of a person,” said Mbalula.

Defending the ANC’s Integrity

The ANC Secretary-General emphasized that the party would continue to defend its integrity from individuals who claim to represent or raise funds on behalf of the ANC without legitimate authority.

“We will defend the ANC against individuals who masquerade as members and who claim control over state institutions or resources. The ANC does not have ‘super members.’ All members are equal and must respect the organization,” Mbalula said.

He reiterated that only the Secretary-General’s office has the mandate to confirm ANC membership status, and in this case, he personally verified that Mogotsi is not an active member.

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Media “Trial by Public Opinion” Rejected

Mbalula also expressed frustration with what he called a “trial through the media”, accusing some media outlets of amplifying untested allegations rather than established facts.

“They are running a trial through the media — saying ‘Mbalula did this, Mbalula did that.’ The media is not a court of law. Allegations must be tested through proper legal processes,” he said.

He added that ongoing misinformation risks eroding public trust and distracting from pressing national issues such as unemployment and economic recovery.

Commitment to Due Process and the Rule of Law

Mbalula reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law and to cooperating with any legitimate commissions or investigations. He praised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent decision to strengthen mechanisms that ensure accountability within state institutions.

“The president has taken the right decision. We all support it. Whatever comes out of that process will help us deal with the root causes of the issues raised,” said Mbalula.

He concluded by saying that truth and institutional integrity must prevail, warning that those spreading falsehoods would be held accountable before a competent court.