By Palesa Matlala
- ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says allegations of vote buying and manipulation at the Johannesburg conference are unproven but concerning.
- Joburg Mayor Dada Morero is fighting to keep his seat as chairperson, facing a challenge from Loyiso Masuku at the delayed ANC regional conference.
African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has confirmed that the party is dealing with serious allegations of factionalism, bribery and manipulation at its Johannesburg regional conference — but insists no solid evidence has been found.
“There are such allegations but they are not proven anywhere. There is a contest but it’s peaceful,” said Mbalula.
He was speaking at the ANC’s 16th Regional Conference at Cedarwood Hotel. The meeting was originally set for September but was postponed because of the untested claims.
In June, the ANC’s Gauteng provincial task team disbanded the regional executive committee in Johannesburg. That committee was led by Joburg Mayor Dada Morero, who is now battling to stay in power.
Morero is going head-to-head with Loyiso Masuku in the race for regional chairperson. Voting was due to start late on Sunday night after delays.
Mbalula has told all ANC regions to finalise their conferences before the party’s National General Council, which starts next week in Ekurhuleni.
The three-day conference is happening shortly after a motion of no confidence in Morero was withdrawn from the city council.
But the biggest shadow hanging over the conference is the talk of money changing hands to influence who gets elected.
Mbalula warned delegates not to accept bribes for votes. He said the claims of vote buying only started surfacing in the past two days.
Morero also raised concerns, telling delegates that taking money for votes goes against everything the ANC stands for.
“Being bought for a vote means you participated in a transactional agreement that is not progressive nor developmental,” he said. “If this is not you, you will return the money. If this is you, enjoy the money and we hope you sleep well at night.”
Provincial leader Panyaza Lesufi also gave a warning to those who try to bribe their way into power.
Pictured above: Fikile Mbalula at the ANC Johannesburg regional conference.
Image source: ANC Gauteng/Facebook
