Celani Sikhakhane
The ex-boyfriend of disgraced former minister of Communications Dina Pule is running for a top position in the ANC.
Phosane Mngqibisa accumulated lucrative tenders from her department leading to Pule’s downfall. He is tipped for the post of ANC regional treasurer of the Greater Johannesburg Region.
The controversial Mngqibisa once made headlines for his alleged involvement in the murder plot of ANC veteran Ben Turok who was the chair of the Parliamentary Ethics Committee that was investigating Pule’s alleged misconduct.
The ANC elective conference was supposed to take place on 14 May but it had to be postponed after the infightings at different branches.
In 2013 and 2014, Mngqibisa was found to have irregularly benefited from the tenders of the Department of Communications that was run by his girlfriend Dina Pule who was a minister.
The report by the then public protector Thuli Madonsela revealed that the appointment of Mngqibisa’s company for the ICT Indaba that was held in Cape Town in 2012 was found to be in conflict of interest and corrupt.
Madonsela’s report also revealed that Mngqibisa bought expensive shoes for Pule after she assisted him to get the communication tender and private sponsorships.
Mngqibisa is not the first member of the ANC to run for the top position with a controversial past.
eThekwini regional chair Zandile Gumede, eMalahleni regional chair Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, Mpumalanga treasurer Mandla Msibi, are among the leaders who have succeeded to power with controversy.
Mngqibisa is also linked to the suspended secretary general of the ANC, Ace Magashule.
He is said to be behind Lebogang Maile who wants to be the provincial chair of the ANC in Gauteng.
