Fikile Mbalula, the secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC), hinted at the party’s intention to request state protection following the leakage of a critical recording from their national executive committee (NEC) meeting.
Addressing the issue, Mbalula pointed out the potential implications if the ANC were perceived as intercepting meetings of political parties, emphasizing concerns about the misuse of state resources. He stressed that the leaked recording contained discussions about election preparations and contained critical comments about the ANC leadership.
While the source of the leak remains unidentified, Mbalula vowed to identify the individual responsible, referring to them as “mischievous.” He expressed the ANC’s determination to pursue legal avenues, including seeking state protection, to safeguard against such breaches.
During the NEC meeting, President Cyril Ramaphosa was heard urging members to strive for at least 14 million votes to secure victory in the elections. He also highlighted the need for the NEC to fulfill its commitments and energize volunteers across the country.
Additionally, ANC head of elections Mdumiseni Ntuli presented a report outlining the party’s campaign strategy, emphasizing effective communication of the ANC’s achievements. Mbalula criticized EFF leader Julius Malema for publicly mentioning possession of the leaked recording, asserting that such actions would not be tolerated in the future.
Mbalula refuted accusations of misusing state resources, attributing the timing of the leak to the ongoing election period. He reiterated the ANC’s commitment to transparency and stated that they would continue their campaigning efforts without interfering with others.
The ANC’s response underscores the importance of maintaining confidentiality in political discussions and the potential repercussions of leaked recordings during the election period.