African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has hit back at critics accusing the ruling party of being the engine of South Africa’s corruption crisis, insisting instead that the ANC is actively fighting graft and restoring accountability.
Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg, Mbalula dismissed what he called a “deliberate campaign to tarnish the ANC’s image” by painting it as synonymous with corruption. “The ANC is not corrupt. The ANC is fighting corruption,” he declared. “Yes, there are individuals who have betrayed the trust of our people, but that does not make the organisation itself corrupt.”
Mbalula argued that corruption should be seen in the context of individual actions rather than the identity of the organisation. He cited the ANC’s recent moves to strengthen its integrity commission and enforce the step-aside rule for members facing serious criminal charges as proof that the party is committed to self-correction.
“Corruption is not an ANC invention. It exists in all sectors of society — in the private sector, in government, and in communities. What matters is how you respond to it. The ANC has chosen to confront it, not to ignore it,” he said.
Opposition Pushback
Opposition parties were quick to reject Mbalula’s remarks, accusing him of attempting to rewrite history. The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the ANC has been at the centre of state capture, looting, and service delivery collapse for decades. “Mbalula cannot separate the ANC from corruption when it is the very system that enabled it,” said DA spokesperson Solly Malatsi.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) went further, arguing that the ANC’s anti-corruption stance is “nothing more than electioneering rhetoric.”
Political analysts note that Mbalula’s comments come at a time when the ANC faces declining public trust, especially among younger voters disillusioned by unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and widespread allegations of graft.
“Framing the ANC as a corruption fighter is a strategic attempt to regain moral ground,” said political analyst Sandile Swana. “But whether the public buys into this narrative will depend on the party’s actions, not its words.”
With the 2026 municipal elections looming and the ANC’s electoral dominance no longer guaranteed, the party’s ability to convince South Africans that it is part of the solution — not the problem — could prove decisive.
