ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has expressed frustration over party members leaking confidential internal communications, warning that such behavior undermines the African National Congress (ANC). Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Mbalula denounced the leaks, which included sensitive correspondence with Gauteng ANC chairperson and Premier Panyaza Lesufi. He stressed that these actions damage the party’s image and erode internal trust.
Mbalula highlighted the frequent occurrence of leaks within the ANC, contrasting this with other political organizations whose internal matters remain private. “Have you ever heard the secrets of the DA or even Malema? We didn’t even know when Floyd [Shivambu] was leaving. These people are secretive. But the ANC, ‘iyavuza, vu vu vu,’” he said, using a Zulu phrase to emphasize how the party’s issues are routinely made public.
He further criticized ANC members who leak internal information, saying they mistakenly believe they are defending the party, when in fact they are harming it. “Comrades think they are defending the revolution by leaking information, but they are destroying it,” Mbalula stated, warning that this behavior weakens the party’s ability to operate effectively.
Mbalula also addressed rumors surrounding Lesufi’s recent summoning to Luthuli House, clarifying that there was no disciplinary action against the Gauteng Premier. Lesufi had been called to explain his public criticism of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which sparked rumors of formal charges within the ANC. Mbalula dismissed these claims, explaining that the meeting with Lesufi was part of the party’s regular internal processes.
“There was no such thing that Lesufi was summoned to be charged,” Mbalula clarified. He emphasized that the correspondence with Lesufi was an internal matter and followed the ANC’s tradition of discussing concerns in-house.
In responding to ongoing public debate over the GNU and Lesufi’s remarks criticizing coalition arrangements, Mbalula reiterated that Lesufi’s views did not align with ANC resolutions but were resolved through discussion. Mbalula also dismissed DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille’s repeated commentary on the ANC-DA coalitions, saying, “She is the leader of the DA, what she says every day is her view, and we dismiss those views.”
As political tensions between the ANC and DA continue, Mbalula emphasized that the ANC remains focused on internal cohesion and addressing the challenges posed by the GNU, rather than being distracted by external criticism.
