Reports of tensions between ANC leaders Fikile Mbalula and Mdumiseni Ntuli over parliamentary impeachment committee nominations have sparked debate over internal coordination, authority and possible electoral implications ahead of upcoming local government elections.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula’s forceful defence of his authority following the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting has intensified scrutiny of reported tensions within the ANC over parliamentary nominations to an impeachment committee, even as political analysts say the matter reflects internal coordination pressures rather than a formal breakdown in leadership.
The committee was established by Parliament following a Section 89 panel report into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s conduct relating to the Phala Phala matter, with political parties required to submit representatives for the inquiry.
Speaking at a media briefing this week, Mbalula rejected suggestions that ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli had defied party leadership, insisting that he remains central to the ANC’s communication and organisational structures.
“If I’m secretary-general of the ANC, I’m the main source of information, and I tell you as a journalist that the story you are coming up with is not true. Respect me. I’m the secretary-general of the ANC, I’m the boss here,” he said.
