ANC's Fikile Mbalula Suffers Major Setback as Court Upholds Loyiso Masuku's Leadership

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula told his refusal to accept defeat is a display of bad sportsmanship, and his actions are crippling the ANC's former glory.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.

The Gauteng High Court has dealt a significant blow to ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula's allies in the ANC, dismissing an urgent application to overturn Loyiso Masuku's election as the party's Greater Johannesburg regional chairperson.

Masuku, who made history as the first woman to hold the position, was elected in December 2025, sparking controversy and allegations of vote-buying and irregularities.

Judge Wilhelmina Elmien Jacoba du Plessis stated, "I accept that the applicant has acted out of genuine concern for the integrity of his party's internal democracy and electoral processes," but added that Stan Itshegetseng, a former special advisor to Mayor Dada Morero, had failed to exhaust internal party dispute resolution mechanisms.

The court's decision is a major victory for Masuku and her supporters, who have argued that the election was fair and transparent. It is also seen as a significant setback for Mbalula's ambitions, with many interpreting the result as a rejection of his leadership style.

Dada Morero, Mbalula's ally, has not received official notice from the ANC regarding a reported decision to remove him as mayor, learning about it only through social media. "Well, I'm like you; I saw it in the social media space. No formal communication has come through me as the deployee of the ANC," Morero said.

Mbalula has denied allegations of political interference in the Johannesburg council and the party's regional conference. "Those who were being critical or had accusations, should bring them straight to me," he said.

However, critics argue that Mbalula's actions are aimed at undermining Masuku's authority and maintaining his grip on power.

The ANC has confirmed it is investigating allegations of vote-buying and ballot paper tampering. The court's decision has sparked intense debate within the party, with some calling for Mbalula to accept the outcome and others accusing him of trying to sabotage Masuku's leadership.

As the ANC grapples with internal divisions, the party's national leadership has stalled attempts to recall Morero as mayor, leaving him entrenched in his position. The move has been seen as a sign of support for Morero and a rebuke to Mbalula's allies.

As some ANC leaders say, "It's time for Fikile Mbalula to accept that his ally has lost and refrain from these sideshows. The allegations of ballot tampering and other irregularities are unwarranted and undermine the party's integrity. Masuku won fair and square, and the leadership of the region is intact."

They added Mbalula's refusal to accept defeat is a display of bad sportsmanship, and his actions are crippling the ANC's former glory.

"The party needs unity and stability, not petty squabbles and power struggles. Mbalula's tendencies are giving birth to instability and undermining the party's efforts to resuscitate itself. It's time for him to stop this nonsense and accept the will of the people." they said.