Controversial North West businessman Brown Mogotsi has insisted that he remains a member of the African National Congress (ANC) “in good standing,” despite public claims from the party’s Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, that his membership expired years ago.
In an exclusive SABC News interview broadcast on Monday, 6 October 2025, Mogotsi firmly rejected Mbalula’s statements, saying they were “unwarranted” and amounted to political overreach.
The businessman, who has been linked to a series of corruption and organised crime allegations, said he is ready to appear before both the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee to clear his name.
“But let me confirm something to you — I am a member of the ANC in good standing,” Mogotsi said.
“I’ve also sent proof that my membership only expires at the end of October. It’s not the Secretary-General who has the power to decide that — it’s my branch.”
The interview comes amid a heated public debate about Mogotsi’s ties to the ruling party and his alleged involvement in criminal networks.
Recent reports from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and public statements by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi have linked Mogotsi to politically connected businessmen accused of influencing senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officials.
The ANC has maintained that Mogotsi’s membership expired in 2020, claiming he has not renewed it since. North West ANC Secretary Louise Diremelo said the businessman’s claims of being a “member in good standing” were “misleading,” adding that the party had formally confirmed his name was not on its current membership roll.
Despite this, Mogotsi’s appearance on SABC News attracted national attention, not only for his denial of wrongdoing but also for his fiery comments about Mbalula, the police, and the ongoing inquiries.
Below are five standout moments from Brown Mogotsi’s SABC News interview, which sparked wide discussion across social media and political circles.
1. Mogotsi accuses Mbalula of targeting Senzo Mchunu
In one of the most striking moments, Mogotsi alleged that ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula was using his name to settle political scores with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. “Mbalula is dragging my name to attack the minister,” Mogotsi said, suggesting that the controversy around him was politically motivated.
2. “I’m still an ANC member”
Mogotsi insisted he remains a loyal member of the ruling party, claiming that his branch in North West confirmed his membership only expires at the end of October.
“I’m a member in good standing — I’ve checked, and I’ve paid,” he said.
The businessman also accused party officials of using “media soundbites” to discredit him.
3. Questions over evidence at the Madlanga Commission
When asked about the WhatsApp messages presented as evidence linking him to corruption, Mogotsi questioned their credibility.
He said that top police officials, including Mkhwanazi, Masemola, and Khumalo, should produce formal Section 205 authorisations (a legal requirement for accessing phone data).
“If they can’t show that, how do they prove who sent those messages?” he asked.
4. Mogotsi on the ANC distancing itself
At one point, Mogotsi appeared visibly frustrated, saying the ANC “always tries to distance itself” whenever corruption scandals arise.
“The party wants to wash its hands, but every time it does, my name comes up again,” he remarked.
The statement immediately went viral online, with many viewers saying it summed up the tension between the ANC and some of its former allies.
5. “Mbalula’s comments were overreach
Mogotsi ended the interview by describing Mbalula’s public remarks as “unnecessary and unprofessional.”
“The Secretary-General doesn’t have the authority to cancel anyone’s membership. That’s not how the ANC works,” he said.
The full Brown Mogotsi SABC News interview is available below.