Leaked audio shows ANC uses taxpayer funds for election campaigns – DA

Zain Johnson speaks to Mbasa Mvene, Political Scientist and Political Studies lecturer at Walter Sisulu University.

Listen to the interview in the audio below.

The DA has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC of manipulating public resources for their election campaign.

The DA has reportedly obtained a leaked recording from an ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where top officials, including Ramaphosa, instruct senior public officers to divert taxpayer funds to boost the ANC's electoral chances.

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This includes using state funds for PR campaigns and advertisements to promote ANC projects.

Mvene says that these allegations by the DA shows the practical effects of cadre deployment.

Many senior public officials are in the leadership structure of the ANC and thus benefit from boosting the ruling party.

“This simply alerts us to the dangers of the policy of cadre deployment.”

- Mbasa Mvene, Political Scientist and Political Studies lecturer at Walter Sisulu University

“This also sheds light on the ongoing theme of endemic corruption that involves senior public officials.”

- Mbasa Mvene, Political Scientist and Political Studies lecturer at Walter Sisulu University

Mvene says that there has been a slow decline in ANC support since 2009, and he believes their supporters will continue to turn away because of these allegations.

He adds that the ANC has been slow with its election campaigns this year, which is likely in part due to the party’s financial woes.

“We have been aware that the ANC has been struggling financially.”

- Mbasa Mvene, Political Scientist and Political Studies lecturer at Walter Sisulu University

The ANC has been focusing more on what has happened in 30 years of democracy instead of highlighting any actual achievements of this administration, says Mvene.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.