The African National Congress (ANC) has issued a public response after media reports alleged that the party may have suffered a data breach involving membership information.

In a statement released on 14 May 2026, the ANC said it had “noted with contempt” what it described as “sensationalist media reports” about the alleged incident. The party cautioned against “reckless speculation” and the circulation of unverified claims. This has not been confirmed.

The ANC did not confirm whether any membership data had been accessed, leaked, or compromised. Instead, the organisation said allegations of attempted cyber intrusions were being treated seriously and were under continuous assessment by relevant structures and specialists.

“The integrity of ANC organisational systems remains strong and protected,” the statement said.

The party also warned supporters and members against misinformation and what it called “opportunistic political propaganda intended to sow confusion and distrust.”

The statement was issued by ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.

While the ANC maintained confidence in its internal systems and safeguards, the statement acknowledged that South Africa continues to face growing cyber threats affecting both public and private institutions.

No technical details about the alleged breach were provided in the statement, and no independent verification of the reported incident was included.

It also remains unclear:

• whether any systems were accessed,
• how many individuals may have been affected,
• whether law enforcement or cybersecurity agencies are involved,
• or whether members will be notified directly if any exposure is confirmed.

The issue could raise broader concerns about political party cybersecurity and the protection of personal information, especially as organisations increasingly rely on digital membership systems.

Local impact is not yet clear.

Pondoland Times will continue monitoring for any official confirmation, forensic findings, or responses from cybersecurity authorities.