Johannesburg – AfriForum says it will release a comprehensive dossier levelling allegations of fraud, money laundering, and corruption against African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.
Despite a letter from Mbalula’s lawyers warning of possible legal action for defamation, AfriForum insists it will release the dossier today, Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
In a letter seen by The Bulrushes addressed to AfriForum, Mbalula’s lawyers, A Mothilal Attorneys Inc, said it has come to “our client’s attention” that certain communications were being circulated by AfriForum to the effect that:
- 1.1 Afriforum will be launching a comprehensive dossier to ensure that our client is held accountable for alleged fraud, money laundering, corruption, and other reckless actions.
- 1.2 Advocate Gerrie Nel, head of AfriForum’s private prosecution unit, will provide an outline of the allegations against our client as well as further actions envisaged against our client.
- 1.3 Media is invited to this “event” at the AfriForum TV studio situated at 58 Union Avenue, Kloofsig, Centurion
“We place on record that our client has not been charged or prosecuted in relation to the unfound allegations set out and vehemently denies all of the baseless allegations in this regard,” wrote the lawyers.
“Our Client is entitled to the constitutionally entrenched right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, as enshrined in Section 35(3)(h) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
“We caution Afriforum that any proposed media briefing premised on the unfound allegations amount to defamation and undermining of our client’s character and also poses the risk of prejudicing public opinion and trial by media, which could have the resultant effect of compromising and undermining due process.”
However, spokesperson Barry Bateman said AfriForum was going ahead with its media briefing scheduled for 10 am, where it will announce the “latest development” in “Mbalula’s Dubai holiday scandal”.
Bateman said AfriForum will release a comprehensive dossier to help ensure that “Mbalula is held accountable for his alleged fraud, money laundering, corruption and other reckless actions”.
Bateman added: “During the launch of the ‘Mbalula Dossier’, Advocate Gerrie Nel, Head of AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, will provide a breakdown of the allegations against Mbalula as well as further action that is envisaged against this ANC leader”.
All eyes are on AfriForum’s Centurion office, where the matter is set to be ventilated.
