Five high-profile ANC leaders facing disciplinary action—Zizi Kodwa, David Mahlobo, Obed Bapela, Malusi Gigaba, and Cedric Frolick—have thrown down the gauntlet, demanding that ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula prove he had NEC authorization to charge them.
The accused claim that, contrary to what is stated in their charge sheets, the National Executive Committee (NEC) never passed a resolution to discipline them. This revelation has sparked speculation that the charges could be politically motivated, with some suggesting that Mbalula acted unilaterally rather than following formal party processes.
The challenge surfaced before and during the leaders’ disciplinary hearing two weeks ago, further intensifying internal tensions within the ANC. If their claims hold water, it could undermine Mbalula’s authority and raise questions about whether factional battles within the party are influencing disciplinary actions ahead of the 2024 elections.
This latest development places pressure on Mbalula to prove his case or risk further divisions within the ANC as it navigates an already turbulent political landscape.