Is the ANC using government programs for votes in Mangaung by-elections?

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The African National Congress is accused of using government programs for votes in the Mangaung by-elections.

Having lost Fateng Tse Ntsho not long ago, the ruling party deployed National Executive Committee leaders to lure communities of Ward 7, Ward 29, Ward 49, and Ward 50 in the hope that residents will vote for O R Tambo party.

Among those were former City of Jo’burg Executive Mayor, Parks Tau, NEC member and COGTA deputy minister, Njabulo Nzuza, and the under-fire and flamboyant, Penny Majodina whose name pops up time and again in the Public Protector saga.

As part of campaigning the ANC leaders made all sorts of promises, as always and expected but what happened on Nelson Mandela Day sent shockwaves across the political landscape.

The deputy provincial secretary of the ANC and MEC for Public Works, Dibolelo Mahlatsi donated cleaning equipment in ward 49, one of the four contested wards. While she was wearing Public Works branded overall, it’s not clear if the donations were from ANC or Public Works.

In ward 50, Wepener it was the acting Executive Mayor, Gregory Nthatisi who was chased by the same community last month now accompanied by MEC for DESTEA, and Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Makhotso Sotyu.

They planted trees, and donated at least 20 wheelie bins, boxes full of shoes, and stationery, to Qibing High School.

All these in wards the ANC is contesting.

The ANC will battle it out with the EFF and Mangaung 7 for the contested four positions.

Anything but victory will be accepted as there will be consequence management which could lead to the disbandment of the Regional Executive Committee followed by reshuffle in the Executive.

May the best party with resources and promises win.