The African National Congress (ANC) has confirmed that businessman Brown Mogotsi is no longer a member of the party. This comes after recent reports linked him to organised crime and raised questions about his ties to the governing party.
According to a statement released by the ANC on Friday, 3 October 2025, Mogotsi’s membership had expired and was not renewed.
“Our membership records confirm that Mr Mogotsi’s ANC membership has expired. We now can confirm that Mr Mogotsi is therefore not an ANC member,” the party said.
The ANC said the allegations connecting Mogotsi and others to criminal syndicates were “deeply concerning” because such activities harmed communities and weakened trust in public institutions. The party stressed that it does not condone crime.
“We distance ourselves unequivocally from any form of organised criminal activity. Crime and corruption are the enemies of development and democracy,” the statement read.
The ANC further explained that its constitution sets out strict rules for joining or renewing membership.
Anyone applying must accept the ANC’s principles, respect its structures, and pledge loyalty to the organisation’s aims. Applications can also be rejected if there is evidence of misconduct or dishonesty.
Organised crime, the ANC said, fell into this category because it undermines the state, fuels corruption, and creates violence.
The party added that it will act “firmly and without hesitation” against any of its members found to be involved in crime.
Such cases will be sent to the ANC’s Integrity Commission, its disciplinary structures, and to law enforcement agencies.
“No one is above the law,” the party said.
This clarification follows evidence presented at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where WhatsApp messages allegedly showed close links between Mogotsi and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is accused of being part of a criminal cartel.
In those exchanges, Mogotsi is said to have received money and sponsorship for ANC events in exchange for influence.
Despite these allegations, the ANC insisted that Mogotsi no longer speaks or acts on behalf of the party.
“The ANC is bigger than any individual. Those who betray its values for greed, criminality or factional interests are not acting in the name of the ANC,” the party concluded.