ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has defended Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae against what he characterized as a sustained attack by media organizations City Press and Central News. Speaking after a national executive committee session, Mbalula rejected reports suggesting the party's integrity commission had imposed deadlines on the premier to address conduct questions, calling such coverage agenda-driven and without merit. The party leader affirmed organizational backing for Letsoha-Mathae while the integrity commission continues its incomplete review of allegations related to her previous transport department position.
The national executive committee endorsed accelerated anti-corruption measures, including mandatory lifestyle audits beginning with executive leadership and extending through civil service ranks. Mbalula announced that individuals implicated in proceedings such as the Madlanga Commission would face disqualification from 2026 candidate lists if their credibility remained compromised. Additional resolutions included support for a whistleblower protection bill and demilitarization of police service structures by replacing military ranks with constitutional terminology.
The national executive committee endorsed accelerated anti-corruption measures, including mandatory lifestyle audits beginning with executive leadership and extending through civil service ranks. Mbalula announced that individuals implicated in proceedings such as the Madlanga Commission would face disqualification from 2026 candidate lists if their credibility remained compromised. Additional resolutions included support for a whistleblower protection bill and demilitarization of police service structures by replacing military ranks with constitutional terminology.
