Dr Zamani Saul Confirms That Money Still Buys Influence in the ANC, South Africans Debate Admission
- Dr Zamani Saul discussed recent allegations of vote-buying within the African National Congress (ANC)
- His remarks came after Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma alleged that Ronald Lamola and Fikile Mbalula were involved in vote-buying
- South Africans weighed in on Saul's comments about the allegations, sharing varied reactions to it
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG - Dr Zamani Saul has publicly acknowledged that money continues to play a role in leadership contests within the African National Congress (ANC).
The Provincial Chairperson of the ANC in the Northern Cape made the comments following explosive allegations made by ANC veteran Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Speaking to Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on the African Renaissance Podcast, Dlamini-Zuma named senior party figures who she claimed participated in vote-buying at the party's national elective conferences in 2017 and 2022. Dlamini-Zuma named Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula in the allegations, but both men have denied the claims.
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Saul acknowledges that the allegations are not new
Speaking to eNCA, Saul did not dispute the substance of Dlamini-Zuma's broader allegations.
"There's nothing new in that allegation. We have acknowledged that," he said.
He explained that for three conferences in a row, the party acknowledged that there was the use of money to influence the leadership race. He added that the party had been working on measures to reduce the impact of financial influence on internal elections, though he did not provide specifics.
How did South Africans react?
South Africans weighed in on Dr Saul’s confirmation, sharing mixed reactions on social media,
Lloyd Kgomotso Sedio wrote:
"True. All factions use money to favour their slates. The difference is that the losing faction always cries foul, yet they themselves used money also."
Emmanuel Nxumalo pointed to the CR17 campaign records, stating:
"Those who are asking for proof, it is there with the court-sealed CR17 statements."
Mfundo Hlatshwayo questioned the legal response to the allegations:
"So, who must we believe? Zamani and Mantashe all exonerate Nkosizana Zuma, so why were Mbalula and Lamola using court action to silence facts?"
Siya Nkosi suggested Saul's credibility was itself in question, writing:
"Zamani Saul would know because that’s how he's running the Northern Cape."
Kaguya Momoshiki Otsotsiki claimed:
“They are all the same.”
Lamola threatens to sue Dlamini-Zuma
Briefly News reported that Ronald Lamola demanded a public retraction from ANC veteran Dlamini-Zuma.
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation made the demand after allegations made by her.
Lamola said he would first pursue internal ANC dispute processes before escalating the matter to court.
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Source: Briefly News
