ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has derided alleged influence peddler Brown Mogotsi, likening him to an “errands boy” and a mere “hangers-on” in a saga that intertwines accusations of corruption, defamation, and the tragic murder of businessman Wandile Bozwana. During a press briefing on Tuesday, Mbalula made it clear that he has no intention of letting Mogotsi’s allegations slide and is pursuing legal action against him for linking the Secretary General to Bozwana’s murder.
Mogotsi, during an interview on SABC TV, claimed that Mbalula lacked the moral standing to criticise him, alleging that the ANC leader had borrowed money from Bozwana shortly before his assassination, and failed to cooperate with police in apprehending the convicted hitman, Vusi Khekhe. Furthermore, Mogotsi claimed that Mbalula had admitted to being with Khekhe around the day of Bozwana’s killing, insinuating a deeper involvement.
Echoing the plot of the popular South African soapie ‘Generations’, Mbalula referenced Khaphela—a character known for doing the “dirty work” for others—to dismiss Mogotsi as a mere fixer. “He’s a hangers-on,” Mbalula mocked. He went on to state that Mogotsi’s ANC membership had lapsed in 2020, insisting that anyone claiming otherwise is not representative of the party’s ethos. Mbalula’s assertion that Mogotsi is not, and has not been, a member of the ANC since 2020 stands in direct contradiction to Mogotsi’s claims of being a member in good standing.
In a display of defiance, Mogotsi staunchly defended himself in response to Mbalula’s remarks, suggesting that the Secretary General’s attacks are part of a targeted campaign against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, of whom Mogotsi is perceived to be close. “Mchunu is the target here; I’m just attacked because I’m seen as close to him,” he stated, further disputing Mbalula’s claims of his expired membership.
Mbalula, however, remains firm in his condemnation of Mogotsi, characterising him as a disreputable figure attempting to exploit his connections with Mchunu. “Genuine members of the ANC will never celebrate that kind of a person,” Mbalula asserted.
He emphasised that it is essential to protect the organisation from individuals masquerading as members who engage in unscrupulous activities.
“In a tough and uncompromising statement, Mbalula dismissed Mogotsi’s allegations regarding Bozwana as fabrications, threatening him with charges of defamation.
“There’s nothing I can say to you about the things he has said, which are false,” he stated. Mbalula confirmed that his legal team is preparing to tackle Mogotsi’s claims, indicating a readiness to face him in court. “How do you deal with a thug who deviates from the real issue?” he said, reiterating that Mogotsi’s former membership status means he has no authority to speak on behalf of the ANC.
The public tends to perceive such feuds within the ANC as more than mere power struggles, considering their potential ramifications within South Africa’s political landscape. As the situation develops, the fallout from this clash between Mbalula and Mogotsi could have significant implications for those involved, particularly as Mbalula seeks to protect the integrity of the ANC and Mogotsi grapples with his positioning amidst serious allegations.