Latest news with #FikileMbalula
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
WATCH: Mbalula warns of deepfake video falsely claiming he said Senzo Mchunu is guilty
Mbalula suffered from 'lip-syncing and audio overlays', which are sometimes referred to as 'puppeteering'. Fikile Mbalula has warned people about fake video of him stating that Senzo Mchunu as guilty. Picture: @MbalulaFikile/X ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula is the latest public figure to suffer a deepfake impersonation video, which falsely portrays his opinions In the fake video, which appears and sounds normal at first glance, Mbalula states that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is guilty. 'No, let me explain this thing. Senzo is guilty. He will answer to whatever that he needs to answer to, I think, umm, let's allow the processes that have been defined to unfold,' Mbalula is heard saying in the manipulated video. We live in a sensitive period where distortion has become the order of the day. — ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) July 21, 2025 Deepfake content includes images, videos and audio edited or generated using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, which may depict real or non-existent people. There are different types of deepfakes, and Mbalula was targeted with a 'lip-syncing and audio overlay' deepfake — sometimes referred to as 'puppeteering'— which replaces mouth movements to match synthetic or manipulated audio. In the authentic video, Mbalula clearly says Mchunu is not guilty. 'Let me explain this thing; it's been exaggerated — deliberately so. I think umm…let's allow the processes that have been defined to unfold,' Mbalula says. 'Senzo is not guilty. He will answer to whatever that he needs to answer to; and therefore he has not been found guilty or been charged in any court of law to warrant any steps to be taken against him.' ALSO READ: 'It's deception on another level' – Thami Ngubeni as deepfake video using her face makes the rounds on social media [VIDEO] Rise of deepfakes in SA About a week ago, a video purported to be of Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi circulated on social media. In it, the display shows what appears to be the rugby player encouraging viewers to participate in an investment scheme. What gave it away was the deep Nigerian accent that came with the video. However, those who aren't cautious could easily fall for it being Kolisi. If they had managed to get his actual voice, people would be running around in the streets claiming they've been scammed by Siya Kolisi 😭 July 16, 2025 Late last year, South African broadcaster and actress Thami Ngubeni had to distance herself from a deepfake video purporting to be her encouraging people to invest in dodgy financial schemes. Speaking to The Citizen, Ngubeni said she was first made aware of the video by a former colleague who had an interest in investing in what the video was selling. 'I hadn't seen the video at that point. The next day a journalist called me, her mother had seen the video and wanted to invest. She knew immediately it was false and sent the video to me,' she said. Cybercrime Unit Specialist Investigator Mike Bolhuis previously told The Citizen that in recent years, there has been a significant rise in these types of cybercrimes in South Africa. Warning & Disclaimer: I categorically distance myself from any video currently circulating that encourages individuals to invest in specific financial schemes. This broadcast never happened. It's deepfake. It's a scam. Please exercise caution with any video featuring my likeness… — Thami Ngubeni (@LifeWithThami) November 28, 2024 'This surge can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing number of techniques and tools available, the growing popularity of social media platforms, and the public's heightened trust in celebrities. 'It goes without saying that people often fall for 'get-rich-quick' schemes, especially when a 'celebrity' is encouraging them to get involved,' he said. NOW READ: WATCH: 'A scammer trying to scam me as me' – Fake Connie Ferguson calls the real one
Russia Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Former South African leader criticized for supporting Morocco in regional dispute
The secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC), Fikile Mbalula, has branded Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Zuma a 'sellout' for his support of Morocco, stating that the party is not surprised by Zuma's actions. The Western Sahara, a sparsely populated desert region on Africa's northwest coast, was a Spanish colony before its annexation by Morocco in 1975. This has led to a protracted territorial dispute between Morocco and the indigenous Saharawi people, represented by the Polisario Front. The ANC criticism comes after Zuma visited Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat. Zuma shared his support for the Kingdom of Morocco, which considers the Western Sahara territory as its own, against the Algeria-backed Polisario front, which seeks an independent state in the desert territory. The MK Party released a policy position earlier this week explaining that they believe South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco should be committed to strengthening their bilateral relations, grounded in shared principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and African unity. 'The MK Party's identity is deeply rooted in the historic struggle for liberation and dignity in South Africa. Similarly, Morocco's history is marked by its resistance to colonial domination and its determined pursuit of national unity. 'Both nations were shaped by their anti-colonial struggles — South Africa from apartheid and Morocco from French and Spanish rule. 'In this regard, Morocco has played a pivotal role in supporting South Africa through its fight for liberation. Morocco was the first country to lend financial and military support to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962. 'Morocco's efforts to reclaim its full territorial integrity align with the MK Party's commitment to preserving the sovereignty and unity of African states,' the policy states. On Saturday, the party lambasted the use of the national flag in Zuma's meeting with Moroccan officials. 'This reckless and provocative act constitutes a flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms and an unacceptable intrusion into South Africa's internal political affairs. It is a dangerous attempt to delegitimise our constitutional order and discredit the authority of a democratically elected government. 'The inclusion of our national symbols in partisan activities hosted by foreign powers is not only misleading but also part of a broader agenda of foreign interference,' the ANC said. 'The ANC urges the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest and to demand an immediate explanation and apology from the Moroccan authorities. 'We also call on all South Africans, regardless of political affiliation, to reject this dangerous precedent that threatens our sovereignty, our democracy, and our national unity. 'We further condemn the opportunistic involvement of Jacob Zuma, who has aligned himself with efforts that erode South Africa's standing in the international community and betray the principles of non-alignment, peace, and anticolonial solidarity that he once purported to uphold,' the party said. 'The leader of the MKP has revealed his true colours by demonstrating a lack of belief in the ANC's political, economic, and ideological principles of progressive internationalism, Pan-Africanism, and solidarity on both international and continental levels. 'It is shameful that a former leader of a liberation movement is betraying our historical mission and showing his true colours as he stands in opposition to the aim of contributing to the creation of a better Africa and world that is more humane, just, equitable, democratic, and free world,' the ANC said. On Sunday, Mbalula said that Zuma's actions are not a surprise as 'Jacob Zuma represents everything that is... pursued by sellouts'. Mbalula came out to address the media during a short interval at the Cape Sun Hotel, where the ANC's National Working Committee (NWC) met with the Provincial Executive Committee. This forms part of the ANC's ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational capacity and engage directly with structures of the movement across regions and districts. 'We, as the ANC, will fight side-by-side for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. We are in solidarity with them, and Morocco must stop the occupation of Western Sahara. 'Zuma is no messiah. He is a sellout of note. For whatever reason, he is doing this is no surprise to us,' Mbalula said. 'The very decision to steal the assets of the ANC to form a political party, and call it what it is, to divide our people, to weaken the African National Congress, for his own personal aggrandisement, is what he has been. He will be remembered for that by history.' The MK Party was contacted for comment, but indicated that they will respond to Mbalula's comment at a future published by IOL
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
ANC criticises Jacob Zuma for supporting Morocco in Western Sahara dispute
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has said that the party is not surprised by the move from the leader of the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, Jacob Zuma, to show support for the Kingdom of Morocco. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspaper ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has branded Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Zuma a "sellout" for his support of the Kingdom of Morocco, stating that the party is not surprised by Zuma's actions. The Western Sahara, a sparsely populated desert region on Africa's northwest coast, was a Spanish colony before its annexation by Morocco in 1975. This has led to a protracted territorial dispute between Morocco and the indigenous Saharawi people, represented by the Polisario Front. The ANC criticism comes after Zuma visited Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat. Zuma shared his support for the Kingdom of Morocco, which considers the Western Sahara territory as its own, against the Algeria-backed Polisario front, which seeks an independent state in the desert territory. The MK Party released a policy position earlier this week explaining that they believe South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco should be committed to strengthening their bilateral relations, grounded in shared principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and African unity. 'The MK Party's identity is deeply rooted in the historic struggle for liberation and dignity in South Africa. Similarly, Morocco's history is marked by its resistance to colonial domination and its determined pursuit of national unity. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Both nations were shaped by their anti-colonial struggles — South Africa from apartheid and Morocco from French and Spanish rule. 'In this regard, Morocco has played a pivotal role in supporting South Africa through its fight for liberation. Morocco was the first country to lend financial and military support to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962. 'Morocco's efforts to reclaim its full territorial integrity align with the MK Party's commitment to preserving the sovereignty and unity of African states,' the policy states. On Saturday, the party lambasted the use of the national flag in Zuma's meeting with Moroccan officials. 'This reckless and provocative act constitutes a flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms and an unacceptable intrusion into South Africa's internal political affairs. It is a dangerous attempt to delegitimise our constitutional order and discredit the authority of a democratically elected government. 'The inclusion of our national symbols in partisan activities hosted by foreign powers is not only misleading but also part of a broader agenda of foreign interference,' the ANC said. 'The ANC urges the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest and to demand an immediate explanation and apology from the Moroccan authorities. 'We also call on all South Africans, regardless of political affiliation, to reject this dangerous precedent that threatens our sovereignty, our democracy, and our national unity. 'We further condemn the opportunistic involvement of Jacob Zuma, who has aligned himself with efforts that erode South Africa's standing in the international community and betray the principles of non-alignment, peace, and anticolonial solidarity that he once purported to uphold,' the party said. 'The leader of the MKP has revealed his true colours by demonstrating a lack of belief in the ANC's political, economic, and ideological principles of progressive internationalism, Pan-Africanism, and solidarity on both international and continental levels. 'It is shameful that a former leader of a liberation movement is betraying our historical mission and showing his true colours as he stands in opposition to the aim of contributing to the creation of a better Africa and world that is more humane, just, equitable, democratic, and free world,' the ANC said. Former president and current leader of uMkhonto weSizwe Party are seeking to overturn President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent reforms to the police ministry. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers On Sunday, Mbalula said that Zuma's actions are not a surprise as 'Jacob Zuma represents everything that is... pursued by sellouts'. Mbalula came out to address the media during a short interval at the Cape Sun Hotel, where the ANC's National Working Committee (NWC) met with the Provincial Executive Committee. This forms part of the ANC's ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational capacity and engage directly with structures of the movement across regions and districts. 'We, as the ANC, will fight side-by-side for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. We are in solidarity with them, and Morocco must stop the occupation of Western Sahara. 'Zuma is no messiah. He is a sellout of note. For whatever reason, he is doing this is no surprise to us,' Mbalula said. 'The very decision to steal the assets of the ANC to form a political party, and call it what it is, to divide our people, to weaken the African National Congress, for his own personal aggrandisement, is what he has been. He will be remembered for that by history.' The MK Party was contacted for comment, but indicated that they will respond to Mbalula's comment at a future briefing.
eNCA
2 days ago
- Politics
- eNCA
Zuma is a sellout
CAPE TOWN - ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is still furious at Jacob Zuma. He's called the former president a sellout. Mbalula is accusing Zuma of stealing Umkhonto We Sizwe.
Mail & Guardian
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
Mbalula: Mchunu to stay in parliament, ANC committee despite suspension
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula. (X) ANC secretary general 'Comrade Senzo is a member of parliament, he belongs to parliament. He will attend parliament and will perform all the duties that are expected of him to perform as a member of parliament,' Mbalulat told a media briefing on Tuesday at the party's Luthuli House headquarters. His remarks came after President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Mchunu on Sunday following corruption allegations against him by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Mbalula said the ANC national working committee meeting, which took place on Monday, discussed the Mchunu matter. 'He didn't attend and he said [it was] because of a leave of absence. I will explain to him that the leave of absence does not apply to the ANC and his politics,' Mbalula said. He added that the party supported Ramaphosa's decision to suspend Mchunu from his cabinet post while an investigation was under way. The president has appointed the acting deputy chief justice, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, to chair the inquiry, with advocates Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo assisting. Ramaphosa has appointed former MP and respected legal academic Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister while the inquiry proceeds. Earlier this month, Mkhwanazi told a briefing in Durban that Mchunu had interfered with sensitive investigations and protected business person Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala. He also alleged that Mchunu had links with Matlala's associate, Brown Mogotsi, and that these ties influenced policing decisions in the province. The KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner said they had uncovered a syndicate involving politicians, metro police, correctional services, prosecutors, members of the judiciary and business people working with a drug cartel. On Tuesday, Mbalula said the ANC welcomed the inquiry as a legal and institutional process to deal with the allegations. 'This is not a moment for complacency,' he said. 'If left unaddressed, these allegations threaten to erode public trust in institutions meant to uphold the law.' Mbalula dismissed reports that the ANC's integrity commission had made findings against Mchunu. 'There has been no interaction between Comrade Senzo and the integrity commission. When it happens, it will follow proper procedure,' he said. He warned against spreading misinformation online and accused some of using the matter for political gain. Mbalula said Ramaphosa had shown consistency in upholding the law. 'The fight against crime and corruption will not be waged through expediency or grandstanding, but through lawful and transparent processes.' He cited the Zondo state capture commission and the Nugent commission on the South African Revenue Service as examples of how inquiries can lead to reform. 'These commissions exposed wrongdoing and informed legislative and structural reforms,' said Mbalula. Critics have, however, pointed out that no successful prosecutions have resulted from the work of the Zondo commission. Mbalula said the ANC continues to support the president's use of commissions where systemic failure or political interference has paralysed existing institutions. He added that the party had postponed its NEC meeting, which had been scheduled for this coming weekend, because preparatory reports were incomplete. 'The NEC was initially meant to focus on the national budget impasse, but its agenda has since expanded to include discussions on the government of national unity, the alliance with the South African Communist Party [SACP], the state of the organisation, and preparations for the national general council,' he said. A new date has not been confirmed, but the meeting is expected to sit for four to five days. The NEC will also consider the SACP's announcement that it may contest the 2026 elections independently. He said alliance consultations are nearly complete and that the ANC hopes to convene the alliance political council before the NEC meets.
