Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), announced that former cabinet ministers Bheki Cele and Sisisi Tolashe are among five high-ranking party members who have been found to have tarnished the ANC’s reputation.
This information was shared during a press conference at Luthuli House, where Mbalula discussed the outcomes of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. While he didn’t specify the actions that led to these findings, he confirmed that disciplinary procedures are currently in progress. Mbalula stressed that the NEC is committed to addressing any behavior that harms the party’s standing.
“The NEC expressed concern over the actions of certain members that have brought the ANC into disrepute,” Mbalula told the press. “Comrade Bheki Cele and comrade Sisisi Tolashe are among those flagged, along with three additional members whose identities will be disclosed through official channels.”
Both Cele, a former police minister, and Tolashe, who previously served as deputy minister in the Presidency, are veteran ANC members with extensive involvement in the liberation struggle. Their inclusion reflects the party’s increasing intolerance for misconduct, regardless of one’s rank.
Mbalula indicated that the findings do not necessarily lead to expulsion or suspension and that the implicated members will have a chance to present their case to the National Disciplinary Committee.
“We are not in the habit of naming and shaming without purpose,” Mbalula remarked. “However, the ANC must uphold its integrity. No member, no matter how senior, is exempt from our rules.”
Political analysts view this announcement as part of a wider strategy by the ANC leadership to rebuild public trust ahead of the 2026 national elections, as the party has faced criticism regarding internal conflicts and perceived disciplinary issues within its senior ranks.
As of the publication date, neither Cele nor Tolashe had responded publicly, and the other three implicated members remained silent as well.
Mbalula refrained from sharing additional information, citing the need for confidentiality in internal matters, and urged the media and public to allow the disciplinary process to unfold without conjecture.
“The ANC is a disciplined organization,” Mbalula concluded. “Those who breach our rules will face consequences.”