Corruption allegations threaten the ANC's renewal campaign in KZN
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
The African National Congress (ANC) in KZN faces a potentially catastrophic blow to its image and ongoing renewal campaign, as fresh allegations of corruption against key leaders surface.
Siphamandla Zondi, a prominent political analyst, offered a stark assessment, asserting that the continuing association of the party with corruption diminishes its prospects for recovery following the dismal performance in the 2024 elections.
Zondi's comments emerged in the wake of serious accusations against KwaZulu-Natal MEC of education, Sipho Hlomuka, and Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi.
Both leaders are now at the centre of investigations that could significantly tarnish the party's reputation and deepen public distrust.
'The responses to these allegations can either make them stick in the court of public opinion or diminish them.
'But this is damaging indeed," Zondi remarked.
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He underscored the urgency for the ANC to dissociate itself from any acts of corruption and to ensure accountability amongst its leaders, especially given that the party's own renewal programme mandates such actions.
Zondi insisted that the ANC should promptly initiate an internal investigation into the allegations and refer the two MECs to its integrity commission.
'It is in the interest of the two MECs to have their names cleared, and it is in the ANC's interest to clear its own name quickly,' he stated, emphasising the critical importance of a swift response to uphold the credibility of the government.
Political turbulence surrounded Hlomuka and Simelane, after claims surfaced that their personal business affiliations may have improperly influenced government contract awards.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Hlomuka contended that he had distanced himself from the implicated company, insisting he was no longer part of it and was unaware of its ongoing activities.
'If it has received any tenders, that information will come out in the investigation,' he added, urging patience for the forthcoming revelations.
Provincial Premier Thami Ntuli has demanded thorough explanations from both MECs following the serious corruption allegations.
Asserting the need for transparency, Ntuli confirmed that he had proactively reached out to both executives for clarification as soon as he became aware of the claims.
'I would be writing to them so that they give me full information regarding the allegations,' he noted, awaiting their responses by today.
Hlomuka's spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi confirmed that the premier had written to the MEC requesting him to give explanation on the allegations regarding school nutrition.
Mahlambi alluded that the MEC has also responded to the letter.
'The MEC (Hlomuka) has responded to the letter from the Premier, however, we must give both the MEC and Premier space to process the responses as per premier's request.
"What we also need to indicate is that the current tender or contract that is in place now is not disturbed,' said Mhlambi.
Further complicating matters for the ANC, Health MEC Simelane faces scrutiny over her family's potential improper gain from government contracts.
The implications of her alleged business ties could further erode public confidence in the party's commitment to ethical governance.
Zondi reiterated the need for the party to reconcile these allegations with its core promise of ethical governance, which he stated was crucial for any hopes of renewal.
'Defending its own is to assume their innocence without verification,' he cautioned. 'It has caused the party many problems in the past.'
With mounting pressure from within and outside the party, the ANC's response to the allegations against Hlomuka and Simelane will be pivotal in shaping its future.
Simelane-Mngadi rubbished the allegations against her, threatening to take legal action against people who have implicated her in the Ithala corruption loan scandal.
It was alleged that the MEC used her position of power as the chairperson of the Agriculture and Rural Development portfolio committee some years ago to get funding for a family company in Ithala and in government.
The allegations surfaced on social media platforms a week ago.
However, in statements she issued last week, she reiterated that the allegations were false and malicious, saying she was exploring the legal route.
'I'm exploring legal action to protect my name and my integrity and take to task those who deliberately and nefariously wish to impugn my good name.
In our system of government, the separation of powers is clear, MPLs, including committee chairpersons, have no role in Supply Chain Management or operational decisions of departments.
Therefore, I could not have influenced any procurement processes."These facts are easily verifiable, and their deliberate distortion shows that this is not an attempt to inform the public, but rather a well-calculated political smear campaign,' concluded Simelane-Mngadi.
ANC in the province fail to comment by the time of publication.
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Nqwazi was arrested by the Hawks in September 2022, along with the metro's former human settlements director Norman Mapu, businessman Xolani Masela, his spouse Nwabisa, former Democratic Alliance councillors Trevor Louw, Neville Higgins and Victor Manyathi, and Nelson Mandela Bay ANC secretary Luyolo Nqakula. They face charges of corruption, money laundering, fraud and contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act. It is alleged that kickbacks for a toilet tender awarded during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic were used to reward Louw, Higgins and Manyathi for voting for a motion of no confidence against former DA mayor Athol Trollip. However, an application is pending for Nqwazi to be discharged after the close of the State's case, with her legal team arguing that the State had failed to lead any evidence against her. DM
