Civil rights organisation AfriForum has released a detailed report alleging fraud, corruption and money laundering against ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.
The report, titled the “Mbalula Dossier,” was presented during a media briefing on Wednesday and forms part of AfriForum’s broader campaign around South Africa’s international relations and governance concerns.
AfriForum said the report was compiled with assistance from its Private Prosecution Unit, led by Advocate Gerrie Nel.
The organisation claims the findings will form the basis of a request to the National Prosecuting Authority to reconsider prosecuting Mbalula on charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering, including allegations linked to a 2016 Dubai holiday.
The organisation also argues that Mbalula’s public statements and political positions could expose South Africa to possible punitive measures from the United States.
It said it will use the dossier to lobby against broad sanctions on the country, instead calling for targeted action against individuals under legislation such as the US Magnitsky Act.
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel said the organisation believes the matter should be handled through legal processes rather than political debate.
“AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement are doing everything possible to prevent punitive measures against South Africa’s people. We believe individuals who are implicated in corruption should be held accountable in terms of the law,” Kriel said.
Nel added that the organisation had written to the newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions to request that the case be reconsidered.
“No one should be immune from prosecution simply because they hold a senior political position. If the NPA decides not to prosecute, we will continue to consider private prosecution,” he said.
The African National Congress has strongly rejected the allegations. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the dossier was politically motivated.
“This document is not a pursuit of justice but a politically driven smear campaign aimed at discrediting the Secretary-General and undermining the democratic will of the South African people,” Bhengu said.
The party added that it would not be intimidated by what it described as attempts to involve foreign governments in domestic political matters, saying such actions undermine South Africa’s sovereignty.
Photo: X/ @MbalulaFikile
