In a strong shift of tone, South Africa’s ruling ANC has declared an end to protecting members involved in corruption or misconduct. The announcement comes as the party faces mounting pressure to address years of scandals, internal divisions, and declining public trust.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula delivered the message bluntly during a press briefing:Â “The era of the ANC being a safe haven for the corrupt is over. We cannot allow individuals who put self-interest above the people to drag our movement down any longer.”
The statement follows widespread criticism that the ANC has repeatedly failed to hold its leaders accountable, even as corruption cases and mismanagement scandals have eroded confidence in government institutions. Mbalula admitted that past inaction has damaged the party’s credibility but insisted that a tougher stance is now being enforced.
“We know trust must be earned, not just promised,” he said, pointing to recent disciplinary actions against some members linked to graft. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has reportedly been instructed to accelerate internal clean-up efforts ahead of the 2026 elections.
However, skepticism remains high. Political analyst Thandeka Mbatha cautioned: “Talk is cheap—South Africans need to see high-profile prosecutions, not just rhetoric. Until then, this is just another pledge in a long line of broken ones.”
Public reaction has been mixed. “I’ll believe it when I see it,” said Sipho Dlamini, a Johannesburg resident. “Every few years, they say ‘this time it’s serious,’ but nothing changes. Why should we trust them now?”
With opposition parties gaining ground and young voters increasingly disillusioned, the ANC’s survival may hinge on proving this anti-corruption push is real. Failure to act could deepen its electoral decline, while genuine reform might offer a lifeline.
For now, the ball is in the ANC’s court—will this pledge mark a true turning point, or will it fade as another empty promise? The nation is watching.
