Fikile Mbalula, the secretary-general of the African National Congress, has strongly rejected reports claiming internal disagreements within the ANC caused delays in submitting names for Parliament’s Phala Phala impeachment committee.
Responding to allegations published by the Sunday Times, Mbalula dismissed the report as false and accused the publication of spreading misinformation during a politically sensitive period for the governing party.
“This is a pure lie — just lies, unbelievable,” Mbalula said in response to the claims.
This is a pure lie just lies unbelievable. https://t.co/XfpaepO1fT
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) May 24, 2026
The newspaper alleged that the ANC missed the deadline to submit Members of Parliament who would serve on the committee because of a dispute between ANC chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli and Mbalula over representation on the panel.
According to the report, tensions allegedly emerged within senior ANC leadership structures as discussions took place over who should represent the party in the parliamentary process linked to the controversial Phala Phala scandal matter.
The Phala Phala issue continues to attract national attention and remains one of the most closely watched political controversies in South Africa. Questions surrounding accountability, transparency, and internal party unity have placed additional pressure on the ANC leadership.
Mbalula’s strong denial appears aimed at countering perceptions of division within the party and reinforcing the image of unity among senior officials. His comments also reflect growing frustration within the ANC over media reports concerning internal decision-making processes.
Political analysts say the controversy comes at a delicate moment for the ANC as it works to maintain stability and public confidence while facing increasing scrutiny over governance-related issues.
Although the ANC has not yet released a detailed official explanation regarding the missed submission deadline, Mbalula’s remarks make clear that party leadership rejects claims that internal conflict was responsible.
With Parliament expected to proceed with the impeachment committee process, public attention is likely to remain focused on how the ANC manages the politically sensitive Phala Phala matter moving forward.
