South Africa leader to face probe over campaign funding

Story By: BBC

South Africa’s governing party officials have said President Cyril Ramaphosa will appear before an integrity commission to answer questions about a controversial campaign donation.

But Jessie Duarte, a senior member of the African National Congress, did not specify when Mr Ramaphosa would present himself before the party panel.

In a report, South Africa’s anti-corruption watchdog alleged that Mr Ramaphosa had misled parliament about money he received in 2017, worth more than $36,000 (£27,000).

- Advertisement -

Mr Ramaphosa maintains it was a donation towards his campaign for the ANC leadership.

Ramaphosa has staked his reputation on cleaning up South African politics since he replaced former president Jacob Zuma 2 years ago, but he has been constrained by factional battles in the ANC, where a section of the party remains loyal to Zuma.

“He [Ramaphosa] has made contact with the integrity committee and he will be presenting himself there for a discussion on the CR17 funds,” said ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte during an interview on eNCA television.

- Advertisement -

CR17 funds refer to the campaign donations Ramaphosa received in 2017 when he was running for the ANC leadership.

Members of the ANC have been removed from their posts as a result of the commission’s past recommendations.

Zuma, facing trial for graft, on Friday accused him of bringing the party into disrepute – a sign of growing divisions within the ANC. The party was holding its national executive committee conference this weekend.

- Advertisement -

 

Share This Article
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *