Fikile Mbalula Collapses During Briefing After ANC Wins IEC Court Battle

African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula collapsed during a media briefing on Thursday after the party secured a Constitutional Court victory in its dispute with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

The court upheld the ANC’s appeal against the exclusion of 181 candidates from the upcoming local government elections, clearing the way for them to be included on the ballot for the November polls.

The ruling prompted celebrations among ANC members who attended the court proceedings. Mbalula, visibly emotional after the judgment, broke down in tears while expressing relief at the outcome.

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During a subsequent media briefing, Mbalula appeared to be sweating heavily and told those present that he was not feeling well before slumping.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu assisted him as the incident unfolded. Reporters were asked to switch off their cameras, while Bhengu later took over the briefing and confirmed that Mbalula was receiving medical attention.

ANC Celebrates Constitutional Court Victory

The judgment marked a significant development in the ANC’s dispute with the IEC over its candidate lists for the November local government elections.

The party had challenged the exclusion of 181 candidates, seeking to have them reinstated for the polls.

The Constitutional Court’s decision to uphold the appeal means the affected candidates can be included on the ballot, removing a major obstacle to the party’s participation with its intended candidate list.

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ANC members who were present in court welcomed the outcome, while Mbalula publicly acknowledged the difficulties the party had faced during the legal dispute.

Mbalula Reflects On Difficult Month

Responding to the ruling earlier on Thursday, Mbalula said the preceding month had been challenging for the party and thanked ANC national officials for their role in pursuing the matter.

“I thank the national officials of the movement who carried this matter with patience. And patience was not easy,” he said.

His remarks came before the media briefing at which he became unwell and collapsed.

Bhengu subsequently continued addressing reporters and said Mbalula was receiving medical attention.

No further details about his condition were provided in the supplied information.