Dlamini-Zuma says Mbalula court action is an abuse of process

ANC national executive committee member Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has filed an opposing affidavit in litigation brought by party secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, describing the case as an abuse of court process.

The dispute follows claims previously made by Dlamini-Zuma about the use of money at the ANC’s 2022 national elective conference. Mbalula challenged her to produce evidence after she alleged that money had influenced leadership outcomes.

According to SABC News, Dlamini-Zuma argues in her affidavit that the role of money in the ANC is an internal party matter that should have been discussed and resolved through the organisation’s own structures.

She also maintains that the misuse of money has contributed to the ANC’s decline. Those are Dlamini-Zuma’s allegations and submissions; no court has made a finding that Mbalula bought votes or that the 2022 conference result was unlawfully secured.

Mbalula was elected ANC secretary-general at the conference, while Cyril Ramaphosa won a second term as party president.

The opposing affidavit sets out Dlamini-Zuma’s response to the case and does not decide the dispute. The court will consider the parties’ papers and any oral argument before ruling on the relief sought.

No hearing date or ruling was announced in the material available on Saturday night.