Transnet: refuses to fund ANC centenary celebrations

[Steve Appleton]

From Business Day, 7 October 2011, http://www.businessday.co.za/Articles/C ... ?id=155426

Transnet refuses ANC funding request
The ANC’s request to Transnet flies in the face of ANC national chairwoman Baleka Mbete’s undertaking that the ANC would not use state funds for its centenary celebrations
LINDA ENSOR
Published: 2011/10/07 06:45:35 AM

IN THE African National Congress’s (ANC’s) search for funds to help pay for its centenary celebrations next year, the party went cap in hand to state-owned enterprise Transnet but was turned down because its donations and sponsorship policy does not allow it to give funds to political parties.

Transnet was the only state- owned enterprise that had been approached, Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba said in a written reply yesterday to a parliamentary question by Democratic Alliance MP Mponeng Rabotapi. However, the ANC’s request to Transnet flies in the face of ANC national chairwoman Baleka Mbete ’s undertaking that the ANC would not use state funds for its centenary celebrations.

The Democratic Alliance’s national spokeswoman, Lindiwe Mazibuko, said yesterday it was "deeply problematic" that the ANC was soliciting money from state-owned entities.

"Public funds cannot and should not be used to fund party-political events.

"This money is entrusted to government by citizens to provide service delivery; that is what it must be used for. That the ANC has sought to abuse public funds in this way is unjustifiable," Ms Mazibuko said.

The DA has been asking all departments whether or not they have been approached and/or made contributions to the ANC’s anniversary celebration kitty.

In her reply to the same question this week, Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said her department had "sadly" not been approached for funding but would have been "honoured" to consider such a request if made.

The ANC is on the hunt for funds to help pay for its centenary celebrations next year, which are likely to be a costly extravaganza. A special committee led by Ms Mbete is organising the event, which will be held in Bloemfontein from January 6-8 and will be followed each month thereafter by celebrations of former ANC presidents in all the provinces.

Guests will include African leaders, international dignitaries and leaders of opposition parties. A gala dinner on the eve of President Jacob Zuma ’s address on January 8 is planned.