Broke ANC asks for money from Lekgotla attendees a month after councillors were asked to pay for taxi and sandwiches for January 8

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State Province is facing serious financial challenges and this is nothing new. This after Mathabo Leeto, the former Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation MEC, and the newly elected Treasurer asked those in attendance to assist the party according to sources.

It all began when Municipal Managers who were invited and asked to make arrangements for themselves were allegedly asked to contribute R10 000 each and it’s not clear how many paid.

A source with intimate knowledge said this came as a shock.

“Where are we supposed to get the money? From service providers who in turn will demand more business & they will be right, we were all shocked.”

Asked if this does not seem to suggest the municipal workers are corrupt and they can get money whenever they want it our source said.

“It could be translated as such maybe when they were in municipalities they could easily access money and this is indirectly pushing corruption as there is no free lunch.”

In January 2023, WhatsApp texts purported to be asking councillors in Lejweleputswa to contribute for the transportation of a 15-seater taxi, sandwiches, and water for ANC members attending the January 8 celebrations.

There is also an account number provided with a deadline for payments against what Fikile Mbalula had committed to that, no public funds would be used for party activities.

Apart from Municipal Managers, the Director General and Heads of Departments were also invited, it’s not clear as yet if they were asked to contribute and if indeed they did.

The ANC refused to explain who paid for Mangaung Regional Conference, January 8 celebrations, and Provincial Conference and all held at Imvelo Lodge.

Another investigation underway is who was paying for meetings and drinks at Southern Sun.

In other news the much talked about and highly anticipated reshuffle has reached a dead end after Sefora Ntombela, the embattled Premier indicated she will remain an ordinary Member of Parliament and her stance is allegedly supported by her MECs.

This means should Mxolisi Dukwana, the newly elected chairman and his PEC decide to reshuffle they can only do so with the current members of the legislature which would mean nothing to the elected officials.

Sources say Gwede Mantashe, national chairperson and Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC president are handling it as Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula has opted not to be involved due to the perceived bias.

Jabu Mbalula, spokesperson for ANC Free State did not respond to our questions.

This is a developing story.

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