An worsening ANC salary backlog is in the process of being resolved this week, says party secretary general Fikile Mbalula. According to an IOL report, Mbalula’s salary is one of the ones still to be paid, he revealed in a media briefing on Sunday. “We are working through rigorous fundraising efforts to ensure that our staff bill is settled,” he said.
In light of the ANC salary backlog at the end of November 2025, it’s alleged that affected staff were planning a walkout if matters were not resolved quickly. However, the secretary general fronted up to the media on Sunday 7 December, insisting that all issues had been resolved and staff would no longer strike …
ANC SALARY BACKLOG
“The component of staff that is not paid is ‘management,’ starting with me, the secretary general. However, the ANC salary backlog is being attended to. I assure you all non-payment of staff is being resolved as we speak. There was an intention to protest given the issue of salaries, but that matter has also been attended to,” explained Mbalula yesterday.
According to recent reports by The South African, the ANC’s monthly salary obligation is roughly R120 million, which suggests a significant workforce when you consider average salaries. Naturally, the top component of those salaries goes to the highest-ranking officials within the party. Namely, the President, Deputy President, Chairperson, Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and Treasurer General, etc …
TOP-HEAVY PARTY STRUCTURE
Therefore, when Mbalula uses a broad term like ‘management,’ it’s unclear whether this includes the 87-member National Executive Committee (NEC). Or other provincial leadership structures across the country’s nine provinces. Nevertheless, according to ContactOut, the ANC employees 403 salaried staff. As such, given typical political party structures, the term ‘management’ most likely comprises 20% of the total staff.
Therefore, we can presume that the ANC salary backlog amounts to roughly 24 million. Ongoing financial difficulties – due to declining donations, among others – suggests worsening organisational challenges within the party. Mbalula did admit that: “The ANC salary backlog does not give us a good image as an organisation. We rely heavily on donors and contributions have dried up. But we intend to resolve it permanently using fundraising mechanisms,” concluded the secretary general.
But what do you think? Do you work for the party and are you suffering from the ANC salary backlog? If so, be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below …
