INVESTIGATION FINDS ANC NOT INVOLVED IN DISTRIBUTION OF FAKE PAMPHLETS IN MPUMALANGA
An investigation into allegations that the African National Congress (ANC) was involved in the distribution of fake Democratic Alliance (DA) pamphlets in Mpumalanga (see here) has proven to the contrary.
The DA last month issued a media statement in which it alleged that Comrade Ntombikayise Jeanette Mahlangu, the ANC candidate in the by-elections for Mpumalanga's Ward 4 in the Steve Tshwete Municipality, "distributed a false DA pamphlet".
The fake DA pamphlet written in English and Afrikaans read: "Help the DA to claim what has been stolen from you. Helen Zille is asking for a few minutes of your time to contribute to change. Now that the ANC has split, we have a real opportunity to get into government in provinces all over South Africa. We can't do it without your help.
"It's a call to every white in South Africa and abroad. If you have a club/society, church or a community organisation, bring them along, we have funds available to finance you so that we together can make it happen. So far we've managed to get COPE and Independent Democrats on our side for our usage. What are you waiting for, try by all means to convince your domestic worker to vote for DA. We need everyone on board to stop Jacob Zuma's ANC from getting a two thirds majority in 2009."
The outcome of the investigation led by ANC National Co-ordinator: Legal and Monitoring Team, Andries Nel, communicated to DA's National Party Liaison Committee Representative Mike Moriarty and copied to Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer Pansy Tlakula, has established that Mahlangu was not involved in the distribution of fake DA pamphlets.
Read the finding: "We are satisfied that Ms. Mahlangu was not involved in the alleged distribution of the pamphlet. Should you have any further information regarding this matter we would appreciate if you could share such information with us.
"The alleged actions, if true, would constitute, at the very least, a violation section 9(1)(b) of the Electoral Code of Conduct. The African National Congress is committed to the Electoral Code of Conduct and has made an undertaking to this effect in terms of the Electoral Act. We are co-operating with the SAPS in this matter.
"Upon receipt of the allegations forwarded by yourself, we immediately instituted our own investigation, led by Mr. Charles Makola, Co-ordinator: Provincial Legal & Monitoring Team: Mpumalanga. Mr. Makola interviewed both Mr. Jabu Bongani Mayaba, Co-ordinator: Local Elections Team: Steve Tshwete Municipality, as well as Ms. Mahlangu. Both denied involvement in either the production or distribution of the pamphlet and deposed to affidavits to that effect, copies of which are attached hereto." "DA is not contesting the by-election in Ward 4," added Nel.
The ANC was committed to "maintain and strengthen the good working relationship" developed over years between parties in the National Party Liaison Committee.
Added Nel: "In this regard, we would appreciate it if you were to continue alerting us, as you did in this case, to alleged violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct by our members and/or supporters. We undertake to investigate any such allegations and, where they are found to be true, to take the necessary corrective measures.
"We would further ask, in the interests of maintaining our good working relationship, that we adopt a cautious approach to communicating publicly regarding matters that are still the subject of discussion and investigation and that we moderate the tone of any statements that we do make."
Statement issued by the African National Congress, March 4 2009
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