Mbalula warns against using public funds for ANC’s January 8 celebrations

The governing African National Congress (ANC) is adamant that no public funds will be used for its coming January 8 celebrations.

The celebrations will be held at the Dr. Petrus Molemela stadium in the Free State next weekend.

In a statement issued on Thursday, newly-elected secretary-general of the ANC Fikile Mbalula said they have noted with concern messages circulating on social media platforms suggesting that there is a directive from unnamed sources that government departments must fund certain aspects of the party’s 111th Anniversary celebrations.

Action will be taken against those using public funds

According to Mbalula, the ANC will not tolerate any person using its name under the pretext of raising funds for its activities from public sources.

“Where there is any evidence of any government official purporting to divert public resources under the pretext that these are for ANC activities, decisive action will be taken against such officials and any suggestion that the ANC is plundering public resources to fund its activities is rejected with the contempt it deserves,” Mbalula said.

“The January 8th celebration is a national event under the stewardship of the deputy secretary general, Nomvula Mokonyane, working with the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) of the Free State Province.”

He said all matters related to fundraising and funding are handled by the treasurer general, Gwen Ramakgopa, while Mokonyane is the convener of preparations for the January 8th celebrations.

The latest statement also comes in the wake of the party’s staff in the Free State facing tough times due to non-payment of salaries.

ALSO READ: ANC’s Free State staff facing hospitalisation, homelessness after six months with no pay

Next weekend’s activities confirmed by the ANC:

Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium is the venue to host the January 8th celebration. All matters that were previously flagged in relation to the stadium infrastructure have since been cleared.

The ANC will host a golf day and gala dinner for fundraising purposes on January 7 2023, with seats next to ANC bigwigs going for as much as R1,2 million each.

Also Read: R1.2 million to rub shoulders with Ramaphosa – ‘poor voters’ not the target market

On 5 January2023, the hybrid national conference continuation will be held.

Meanwhile, the ANC will convene a media briefing at its Luthuli House headquarters on Tuesday to give a status update and details on the second hybrid National Conference preparations and the January 8th celebrations.

It was recommended towards the end of the party’s national elective conference a few weeks ago that conference should be adjourned due to numerous delays in the conference programme, in a bid to complete its business.

ALSO READ: ANC national conference adjourned to 5 January 2023