ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula has confirmed that Zwelo Masilela, the treasurer general of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL), will face the party’s Integrity Commission after it was revealed that he held a senior researcher position in the Mbombela Municipality for five years without having any qualifications beyond matric.
IOL previously reported that the allegations stem from a formal complaint filed by Economic Freedom Fighters Member of Parliament Sihle Lonzi with the Public Protector.
Lonzi claims that Masilela’s appointment lacked the necessary qualifications for the role, as Masilela only obtained his journalism degree from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in 2021—years after taking up the senior position.
This information was revealed through his curriculum vitae, which he submitted during his interview for a position on the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) board on February 26, 2025.
In an interview with Tshidi Madia on the Politricking podcast, Mbalula confirmed that the matter would be referred to the Integrity Commission for further investigation.
He stressed that when the Youth League nominates candidates, they must possess impeccable credentials. He added that if the claims against Masilela hold any weight, the matter will be thoroughly investigated.
"If there is any mischief on the part of the candidate, steps will be taken. That matter is going to the Integrity Commission, and it will be fully investigated. An account will have to be given," Mbalula said.
He added that the ANC had only recently become aware of the allegations, noting, “Some of the things we heard in Parliament about Zwelo were the first time that we heard them as a party.”
While acknowledging the seriousness of the claims, Mbalula expressed his intention to give Masilela the benefit of the doubt.
"We don’t want to prejudice any outcome, but should anything come out of it, if someone has broken rule 25 of the ANC and brought the party into disrepute steps would have to be taken," he said.
Responding to the Youth League’s reaction, Mbalula stated, “I don’t know, because they are close to the action. So we don’t know whether there is substance.”
Moreover, Mbalula clarified that he had been in touch with Youth League President Collen Malatji, who assured him there was no wrongdoing on Masilela’s part.
“I did not ask Zwelo directly because I don’t have to. I asked the President of the Youth League, and he assured me there is nothing untoward about Zwelo in terms of his qualifications,” Mbalula said.
Mbalula also emphasised that if the allegations are substantiated, there will be consequences. "There will be consequences if any member, even if they are from the Youth League, is found to have veracity in what is claimed by the EFF,” he said.
He also reinforced the ANC's commitment to addressing wrongdoing within the party.
"The ANC has been firm on its policies regarding wrongdoing, not just recently, but for quite some time now. It has never happened in the history of the ANC that before we take decisions, society will find us saying the Constitution says presumption. The ANC is very clear: if there is wrongdoing, step aside, but equally, there will be consequences."
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za