Tony Yengeni Faces Charges As ANC Cracks Down On Ill-Discipline

The African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula has confirmed that charges are being prepared against veteran party member Tony Yengeni and former deputy chair of the international relations subcommittee, Obed Bapela.

This comes as the party takes a firm stance against members who bring the organisation into disrepute, particularly on social media.

Yengeni and Bapela in the Crosshairs

Mbalula announced on Monday that Yengeni and Bapela would face the ANC’s disciplinary committee. Yengeni, an ally of former president Jacob Zuma, has been vocal in his criticism of the ANC leadership, especially regarding Cyril Ramaphosa’s involvement in the Phala Phala scandal.

His recent defence of Zuma during internal hearings and his support for the Zuma-led MK Party have raised concerns within the party.

Bapela, on the other hand, landed in hot water after travelling to Morocco last year and allegedly representing the ANC without uthorization. His actions contradicted the party’s stance on Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara and resulted in his removal from the international relations subcommittee.

Mbalula’s Stern Warning

Mbalula criticised Yengeni’s controversial social media posts, labeling him a “political Casanova” who expressed views embraced by only a few malcontents within the party. He added that Yengeni had been notified of the charges against him.

“Discipline in the ANC is important. Leaders who tweet things that bring the ANC into disrepute will be disciplined,” said Mbalula.

The secretary-general also emphasised the need for national leadership to intervene, citing provinces’ reluctance to address ill discipline.

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As the ANC prepares for its annual birthday celebrations in Cape Town, Mbalula accused the DA-led provincial government of abandoning the poor by neglecting indigent policies. He highlighted the party’s plans to reconnect with Western Cape residents and regain lost support.

Meanwhile, the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is set to adopt its January 8 statement, to be delivered by President Ramaphosa on Saturday. The agenda does not include discussions on the provincial leadership of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, contrary to speculation.

ANC-SACP Relations

Mbalula also addressed the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) decision to potentially contest the 2026 municipal elections independently. While acknowledging the SACP’s independence, he described the move as a potential calamity and expressed the ANC’s desire to maintain unity within the tripartite alliance.

Yengeni and Mbalula’s history of public spats has added fuel to the tension. In 2023, Mbalula suggested Yengeni had an alcohol problem, prompting Yengeni to fire back with a sharp retort.

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