ANC to Discipline Tony Yengeni for Social Media Comments, Fikile Mbalula Confirms

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has announced that disciplinary charges are being formulated against party veteran Tony Yengeni. This comes amid warnings that ANC members who tarnish the party’s reputation on social media will face disciplinary action.

Mbalula revealed that Yengeni and former deputy chair of the international relations subcommittee, Obed Bapela, would be brought before the ANC’s disciplinary committee. Possible penalties include suspension or expulsion from the party.

• Obed Bapela: Bapela was removed from the subcommittee for traveling to Morocco and speaking on behalf of the ANC without authorization. This was viewed as a direct violation of the party’s stance against Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara.
• Tony Yengeni: Known for his vocal criticism of the ANC leadership, Yengeni frequently uses social media to express his frustrations. He has been a staunch critic of ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, particularly over the Phala Phala scandal, and recently defended former president Jacob Zuma in internal disciplinary hearings.

Social Media Discipline Crackdown

Mbalula emphasized the importance of discipline within the ANC, pointing to Yengeni’s online support of the Zuma-led MK Party as a breach of party rules.

“Leaders tweeting comments that bring the ANC into disrepute will be disciplined,” said Mbalula, highlighting that some provinces had ignored cases of ill-discipline, forcing the national leadership to intervene.

The relationship between Mbalula and Yengeni has been contentious, with Yengeni firing back at previous comments made by Mbalula, accusing him of defamation.

The ANC is gearing up for its annual January 8 celebrations, which will take place in Cape Town this weekend. The party’s leadership will tour the Western Cape in a bid to regain support in the province.

Mbalula criticized the DA-led provincial government for abandoning indigent policies that provide free basic services to the poor.

The ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is meeting to finalize its January 8 statement, which will be delivered by Ramaphosa. Discussions about the leadership in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng will not be included in this session.

The NEC will also address the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) decision to contest the 2026 municipal elections independently. Mbalula described this possibility as a “calamity” but noted that the ANC respects the SACP as an independent party.

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