Mbalula: ‘I should have known better’

In the aftermath of weekend reports describing his sex life, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula has asked for his privacy to be respected.

“I have consulted with my family and provided them with information and explanation for my acts and omissions in regard to the allegations that are swirling in the media,” Mbalula said in a statement on Sunday.

Newspapers reported that Mbalula was the victim of extortion at the hands of a woman he had had an affair with and who claimed she had been impregnated by him.

“I have apologised to my family, particularly to my wife, as I should have known better. I have been trying to deal with this matter, in a private manner, for the past three months and when it became clear to me that this woman was prepared to extort money from me, I then decided to cease all communication with her as I was not prepared to be blackmailed.”

Mbalula said claims by the woman, identified in reports as Joyce Omphemetse Molamu, that she was pregnant “remain unproven to me”.

Mbalula unsuccessfully approached the South Gauteng High Court on Saturday to prevent the details surrounding the affair from being published.

He became aware that this was a possibility when the City Press newspaper sent him questions relating to the matter.

However, his court application could only be heard at 6pm — the print deadline of the paper.

In his statement on Sunday, Mbalula said he regretted subjecting his family to the media allegations and speculation.

“I apologise to the South African society, to the African National Congress and the South African government. From now onwards this matter shall be dealt with as a private matter by my family.

“We therefore request the media and everyone else to afford the family time and space at this moment.”

Mbalula said he had also decided not to lay any charges against Molamu for “extortion or blackmail”.

It was reported that Molamu allegedly demanded R40 000 from Mbalula.

Minister on the move
Mbalula became one of the ANC’s youngest deputy ministers in May 2009, moving into the police portfolio straight from a position as ANC elections chief. With no experience as an MP or government official, he rose quickly to a full ministry position.

He hit the ground running as Sports Minister, making several high-profile interventions — notably in the Cricket South Africa leadership battle and the collapse of the Gauteng Lions empowerment deal — moves clearly meant to raise his public ­profile and popularity. – Sapa and Staff reporter