ANC Member of Parliament, Jacob Boy Mamabolo, is facing a ‘cheating scandal’ after a viral video captured him kissing a woman during the party’s January 8 celebrations in Mbombela.
Despite the speculations and accusations triggered by the video, Mamabolo vehemently denies any wrongdoing, asserting that the kiss was a gesture of camaraderie, saying, ‘My comrades must be loved and kissed; I’ve done that many times.’
In an exclusive interview with TimesLIVE, Mamabolo dismisses the incident as a mere farewell kiss to a comrade, defending, ‘There is nothing wrong with that. Even my wife is not aggrieved about the matter. My comrades are my comrades; they must be loved and kissed.’
Labeling the video circulation as a smear campaign orchestrated by ‘members of the opposition,’ Mamabolo downplays the incident, emphasizing that it was a ‘baby kiss’ without tongues involved.
He attributes the controversy to political adversaries attempting to tarnish his reputation, stating, “That person thought it would be a big thing, but it is nothing.”
Despite the allegations, Mamabolo remains committed to his family, expressing, “I love my wife. I chose my family; we are happy even now.” He believes those behind the video are taking chances, asserting, ‘They thought they got me, but no, they are taking chances.’
This isn’t the first time Mamabolo has faced controversy. In 2020, he engaged in a verbal spat with Julius Malema, accusing Malema of being a wife beater during the 2020 state of the nation address (Sona) address.
Despite their shared history in Seshego township and the Congress of SA Students, their political relationship soured over the years.
The Sona debate saw Mamabolo repeating the abuse allegations, prompting Malema to launch a R1m lawsuit. In response, Mamabolo apologized for the claims and paid legal costs after Malema sued him.
The woman involved in this current controversy, believed by some to be ANC’s Buhlebendalo, has not addressed the allegations on her page.
