South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has demanded a full retraction and apology from Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma over allegations that African National Congress (ANC) officials used cash to secure political support during internal party leadership contests. According to reports by TimesLIVE and eNCA, Lamola’s legal team issued a letter giving Dlamini-Zuma a strict deadline to withdraw the vote-buying claims or face legal action.
The dispute stems from public statements made by Dlamini-Zuma, where she alleged that money played a decisive role in influencing internal ANC voting outcomes. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has similarly denied claims that he personally distributed money to secure support, as reported by IOL. Meanwhile, Limpopo ANC chairperson Zamani Saul openly acknowledged that money continues to buy influence within the governing party, according to eNCA coverage.
Lamola’s Legal Demand and ANC Tensions
The clash highlights deep divisions within the ANC regarding money in politics. While senior leaders like Lamola and Mbalula push back against allegations of corruption in leadership races, regional figures have acknowledged the pervasive influence of financial resources. Zamani Saul’s public admission that financial backing alters internal political dynamics has further fueled the party debate.
Disputed Claims Across Party Leadership
The controversy involves conflicting statements from prominent political figures within the ruling party:
- Ronald Lamola: Demanded a retraction through legal counsel, categorizing Dlamini-Zuma’s vote-buying claims as defamatory and false, per TimesLIVE.
- Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma: Made the initial assertions regarding the use of cash to influence internal ANC voting processes.
- Fikile Mbalula: Strongly denied Dlamini-Zuma’s claims that he handed out funds to secure delegate backing, according to IOL.
- Zamani Saul: Acknowledged publicly that money remains a factor in buying political influence within party structures, as reported by eNCA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ronald Lamola demand from Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma?
According to TimesLIVE, Ronald Lamola demanded an unconditional retraction and a public apology regarding vote-buying allegations, warning of potential legal action if she fails to comply.
How has Fikile Mbalula responded to the allegations?
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula denied claims made by Dlamini-Zuma suggesting that he distributed money to secure support during party contests, as noted by IOL.
What did Zamani Saul say about money in the ANC?
According to eNCA, Limpopo ANC chairperson Zamani Saul admitted that financial resources still buy influence during internal party elections.
Next Steps in the Legal and Political Dispute
With the legal deadline approaching, the focus shifts to whether Dlamini-Zuma will issue a retraction or face a formal defamation suit from Lamola. The public fallout underscores ongoing internal friction within the ANC as leaders grapple with allegations of financial interference in party democracy.