Mbalula breaks down after ConCourt ruling, thanks Ramaphosa for support

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula broke down shortly after addressing the media following a Constitutional Court ruling, struggling to continue his remarks as he sweated heavily and shed tears.

Speaking to journalists, Mbalula was reflecting on the judgment outside the Constitutional Court at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg when he appeared to become overwhelmed by emotion.

“Thank you very much. I’m not feeling well,” he said before slumping down.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri stepped in to address the media, acknowledging the strain the proceedings had placed on the party and its secretary-general.

“I think you can imagine the strain that this has put on the organisation overall, but more particularly on the secretary-general,” she said.

Bhengu-Motsiri thanked journalists for attending the briefing and engaging with the party.

Mbalula had framed the court’s ruling as a significant moment for constitutional democracy.