Fikile Mbalula's Troubles Deepen as AfriForum Ramps Up Pressure

ANC SG Fikile Mbalula

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

The African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, is facing renewed pressure from AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit over allegations of corruption linked to a 2016 family trip to Dubai. The civil rights organization has obtained the case docket from the South African Police Service (SAPS) after a successful Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application.

Mbalula is accused of receiving financial assistance from Sedgars Sports, a supplier to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), for his family's Dubai vacation, valued at R680,000. Mbalula claimed the money was a loan, but the Public Protector's investigation found that he violated the Constitution and the Executive Ethics Code.

AfriForum's Barry Bateman says the evidence suggests collusion between witnesses and SAPS, a failure to obtain statements from key witnesses, and poor cooperation between SAPS and prosecutors. "The unit is even more convinced that Mbalula has a case to answer to," Bateman said.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) previously declined to prosecute Mbalula, citing insufficient evidence. However, former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, now with the MK Party, called the decision "shocking," arguing that the NPA should have probed whether the money was proceeds of crime or if money laundering was committed.

This case has significant implications for accountability in South Africa's government and highlights the role of civil rights organizations in ensuring justice is served. AfriForum's private prosecution effort may inspire other organizations to take similar action when public institutions fail to act.