ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula broke down in tears and collapsed on Thursday after the Constitutional Court ruled in the party’s favour, reinstating 181 councillor candidates who had been excluded from contesting the November 4 local government elections.
Mbalula was addressing journalists at Constitution Hill when the emotional weight of the ruling appeared to overwhelm him. He struggled to continue speaking, appeared lightheaded and sat down, forcing ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu to take over the briefing. Bhengu said the secretary-general would receive medical attention.
The dramatic moment came after the Constitutional Court delivered a major legal victory to the ANC, allowing the 181 candidates to stand in the municipal elections after they had initially been barred from participating.
Emotional moment at Constitution Hill
Mbalula’s reaction reflected the intensity of the ANC’s legal battle and the political stakes involved in the dispute. Before the briefing was cut short, he opened up about the personal pressure he had carried throughout the case, revealing that the possibility of the affected candidates missing the election had weighed heavily on him.
“I had sleepless nights thinking about this,” he said.
His remarks suggested that the case was not only a legal matter for the party, but also a deeply personal one for its leadership. Mbalula, who has faced criticism over several ANC challenges in recent years, appeared visibly relieved that the party had secured a favourable outcome.
The secretary-general’s collapse prompted concern among those present at the briefing. ANC officials moved quickly to manage the situation, with Bhengu stepping in to complete the address and assure journalists that Mbalula would be attended to by medical personnel.
Major legal victory for ANC
The Constitutional Court’s decision marks a significant win for the ANC, which had challenged the exclusion of the 181 candidates through the courts. The party argued that the candidates should be allowed to contest the November 4 local government elections, and the country’s highest court ultimately agreed.
The ruling means that the affected candidates can now participate in the municipal polls, restoring their place on the ballot and potentially altering the political landscape in the areas where they are contesting.
The case had been closely watched because of its implications for the upcoming elections. With the ANC seeking to maintain and expand its presence in local government, the exclusion of more than 180 candidates had threatened to weaken the party’s electoral prospects in several municipalities.
Thursday’s judgment removes that obstacle, giving the party a major boost ahead of the vote.
Mbalula thanks ANC structures
Mbalula used the opportunity to thank the party’s leadership and the organisations that supported the ANC’s legal challenge. He described the outcome as a collective effort rather than the achievement of a single office or individual.
His comments were aimed at recognising the role played by ANC structures, legal teams and supporters who stood behind the party throughout the case. He emphasised that the victory belonged to the broader movement, not just to those who argued the matter in court.
The ruling is expected to strengthen morale within the ANC as it prepares for the November 4 elections. It also provides the party with renewed confidence after a period of legal and political pressure.
For Mbalula, the decision brings relief after weeks of uncertainty. For the 181 reinstated candidates, it restores their opportunity to contest for council seats and serve their communities.
As the ANC turns its attention to campaigning, the Constitutional Court ruling stands as one of the party’s most important victories ahead of the local government elections.
Sour
“The constitution has spoken and it has spoken for the people of this country. Let me begin with thanks, because this was never the work of one office,” he said.
He also praised ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa for his leadership during what he described as a difficult period, saying the party had been urged to pursue lawful avenues to resolve the dispute.
“I thank the President [Cyril Ramaphosa] of the ANC for his leadership through the hard month and for insisting at every turn that this movement take the lawful road and no other,” Mbalula said, fighting back tears.
Bhengu thanked journalists for attending the briefing before confirming that Mbalula was receiving medical attention.
“Thank you very much for being here and for always coming out to engage us,” she said.
The court’s decision clears the way for the 181 candidates to be reinstated, removing a major obstacle for the ANC ahead of the November 4 elections.