FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
03 October 2025
MEMBERSHIP STATUS OF MR OUPA BROWN MOGOTSI
The African National Congress (ANC) has noted recent allegations that certain individuals, including Mr Oupa Brown Mogotsi, are alleged to be involved in serious organised criminal activity. 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.
These allegations are deeply concerning, not only for the individuals involved, but also for the communities and institutions whose safety, stability and confidence are undermined by criminal syndicates.
The ANC wishes to make it clear: we distance ourselves unequivocally from any form of organised criminal activity. Crime and corruption are the enemies of development and democracy. They corrode the very values for which generations of South Africans sacrificed in the struggle for freedom. The ANC will not allow its name to be associated with those who betray the principles of our movement for personal gain.
Membership Status and Renewal
Should any individual implicated in criminal activity apply for membership, such an application will be processed strictly in terms of the ANC Constitution, which governs the rights and obligations of every member.
Rule 4.2 provides that membership of the ANC is open to all South Africans over the age of 18 who accept its principles, policies and programmes, and who are prepared to abide by its Constitution and rules.
Rule 4.10 provides that any objection to an application for membership may be made by any member to the Branch, Regional or Provincial Secretary.
Rule 4.11 provides that at any time before the individual is accepted as a full member of the Organisation, or in exceptional circumstances even after the member has been admitted, the Secretary General may rule that the application or the membership be rejected if it was obtained invalidly.
Rule 4.16 requires every new member to make a solemn declaration, pledging loyalty to the aims and objectives of the ANC, and to place their skills and energies at the disposal of the people, not for personal enrichment:
“I, […], solemnly declare that I will abide by the aims and objectives of the African National Congress as set out in the Constitution, the Freedom Charter and other duly adopted policy positions, that I am joining the Organisation voluntarily and without motives of material advantage or personal gain, that I agree to respect the Constitution and the structures and to work as a loyal member of the Organisation, that I will place my energies and skills at the disposal of the Organisation and carry out tasks given to me, that I will work towards making the ANC an even more effective instrument of the people to achieve the vision of the Freedom Charter.”
African National Congress – Press Release
“…effective instrument of liberation in the hands of the people, and that I will defend the unity and integrity of the Organisation and its principles, and combat any tendency towards disruption and factionalism.”
Duties of Members and Misconduct
Membership of the ANC is not only a right; it comes with solemn duties.
Rule 5.2.7 requires every member to observe discipline, behave honestly, and loyally carry out the decisions of the ANC. The ANC Constitution is unambiguous about what constitutes misconduct.
Rule 25.17.4 prohibits any unethical or immoral conduct that detracts from the character, values and integrity of the ANC, or which brings the movement into disrepute.
Rule 25.17.17 further provides that conduct which prejudices the integrity or repute of the Organisation—including collaboration with counter-revolutionary forces or groups that undermine the ANC’s mission—is grounds for disciplinary action.
Organised crime syndicates, by their very nature, fall within this definition. They operate as counter-revolutionary networks, undermining state capacity, hollowing out institutions, and fuelling factionalism, corruption and violence. No ANC member can be part of such structures and still claim to honour the solemn declaration of membership.
The ANC’s Position
The ANC will act firmly and without hesitation against any of its members found to be involved in criminal activity. Cases will be referred to the Integrity Commission and, where warranted, to the ANC’s disciplinary structures in line with Rule 25. They will also be reported to law enforcement, because no one is above the law.
The ANC is a liberation movement that has always placed the interests of the people first. We remind South Africans that 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 ANC will continue to renew itself so that, together with the people, we can build a capable, ethical and developmental state that works for all.
ENDS//
ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
Mahlengi Bhengu National Spokesperson
For media enquiries: Mangaliso ‘Stalin’ Khonza National Communications Manager: 063 610 3681
Mothusi Shupinyane Ka Ndaba National Media Liaison: 084 498 0105
