The Democratic Alliance (DA) has requested the Public Protector to investigate the African National Congress’s (ANC) alleged use of public funds for election purposes.
DA MP Patricia Kopane sent a letter to advocate Mabedle Lawrence Mushwana on Monday, asking for an urgent investigation into the release of R4,3-million allocated for poverty alleviation by the head of the South African Social Security Agency.
The money was allegedly used for election-related purposes for the ANC.
”It was reported in the Sunday Times of May 17 that the head of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Fezile Makiwane, agreed to approve the transfer of R2,5-million in RDP-designated funds for a celebration for President Jacob Zuma, and as of yet this has not been objected to by Minister for Social Development Edna Molewa,” said Kopane in her letter.
She said a further R1,8-million was allegedly raised in a similar way, again from an RDP-designated fund, and again approved personally by Makiwane.
Kopane said the money was reportedly used to buy food parcels for the residents of Zuma’s home town.
”This appears to be a gross abuse of state funds, and we ask that both Makiwane and Minister Molewa be asked to clarify their actions in this regard,” Kopane said.
”If this money was designated, as reported, to be spent on social development projects, such as paying for chairs, buildings, toilets, generators and wheelchairs required at social grant pay points, then clearly some of South Africa’s poorest citizens have been severely prejudiced by this decision.”
The office of the Public Protector had not received the DA complaint by Monday afternoon, spokesperson Kgalalelo Masibi said. — Sapa