Vote buying allegations rock ANC following national conference

Barely a week after the 55^th elective conference of the African National Congress (ANC), allegations of vote buying have emerged.

Some of the names that have been mentioned in a letter addressed to the party’s Electoral Committee headed by ANC stalwart Kgalema Motlanthe, include that of party president Cyril Ramaphosa, chairperson Gwede Mantashe, as well as Bejani Chauke.

In the letter, the committee is requested to investigate the alleged infringement of the buying of votes and/or the offering of rewards for votes during the elective conference.

Ramaphosa won the position for party president while Mantashe was re-elected to the position of chairperson.

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Other leaders who made it to the new-look Top 7 of the party, include Paul Mashatile who was elected deputy president, Fikile Mbalula as secretary general, Nomvula Mokonyane as first secretary general, Maropene Ramokgopa as second deputy secretary general, and Gwen Ramokgopa as treasurer.

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Complaint will be thoroughly investigated

Responding to the allegations, secretary of the ANC’s Electoral Commission Chief Livhuwani Matsila said due to the nature of the allegations raised, the Electoral Committee will ensure that the complaint is thoroughly dealt with.

“In the meantime, we humbly request that you furnish the Electoral Committee with any available evidence at your disposal, in addition to the televised interview, to support these allegations,” Matsila said in a direct response to the complainant Thabang Mdletshe.

Matsila further said all those mentioned in the letter will be given a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations.

“Upon resumption of duty on January 5, the Electoral Committee shall request all comrades who were candidates for the 55^th National Conference to submit their final financial disclosures on campaign funding and expenditure.

“The Electoral Committee shall henceforth scrutinize the final financial disclosures on campaign expenditures and make a final determination on compliance with the Electoral Rules in respect of each candidate,” Matsila added.