Mbalula Denies R1.7 Million Travel Expense Allegations

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has strongly denied allegations surrounding his trip to Libya, labeling a recent City Press report as “sensational” and baseless. The publication claimed Mbalula traveled to Benghazi in August aboard a luxury private jet owned by controversial cigarette tycoon Adriano Mazzotti.

The reported flight, said to be a Falcon 900 business jet, allegedly cost approximately R1.7 million. According to the report, Mbalula returned via Entebbe, Uganda, due to insurance restrictions prohibiting the aircraft from remaining in Libya overnight.

Mbalula Defends Libya Trip Legitimacy

In a statement released on Sunday, Mbalula dismissed the article as a “shoddy patchwork” designed to damage his reputation. He insisted his visit was entirely legitimate and conducted properly.

“My trip to Libya was above board, and there was nothing shady about it,” Mbalula stated. He explained that, as secretary-general, he receives numerous invitations to countries across the continent and beyond for various reasons, many of which occur away from public scrutiny.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

City Press had noted that the African Union’s Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) conference was the only major event in Benghazi at the time, yet Mbalula was not listed among the official delegates. The politician initially declined to disclose the trip’s purpose or funding source.

Legal Action Threatened Over Reporting

Mbalula accused the media of rumour-mongering and announced he has instructed his lawyers to explore a defamation case against City Press. He expressed concern over reputational damage through innuendo.

“If reputational damage through innuendo and rumour-mongering becomes the order of the day, we would be allowing our country to slide down a dangerous path,” Mbalula said. He emphasized his commitment to challenging what he perceives as irresponsible journalism aimed at selling newspapers with salacious headlines. The ANC leader remains firm that his Libya trip was conducted appropriately and without any improper motives.