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EFF accuses ANC of abusing state funds at Samora Machel event

Published

The EFF in Mpumalanga filed complaints with the Independent Electoral Commission and the public protector over the commemoration at Mbuzini. The ANC denies using government money for its campaigns, and the local government elections are on 4 November.

The EFF alleges that ANC structures used state-funded transport, logistics and catering to bring thousands of supporters and volunteers to the event. It says they wore party regalia. The EFF also says no other party got similar transport, meals or access.

The EFF further alleges that Ehlanzeni mayor Enoch Ishmael Terra Shabangu used his vote of thanks to urge attendees and TV viewers to vote for the ANC on 4 November. It says party messaging at the event would breach Section 67(1)(g) of the Electoral Act.

ANC Mpumalanga spokesperson Sasekani Manzini rejected the claims. She said the presence of people in ANC colours does not in itself show that government resources were used for party campaigning. In her words: "Our campaign activities are funded through party resources."

The commemoration took place on 19 October in the Nkomazi local municipality. Mozambican president Daniel Chapo, Graça Machel and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola attended.

Key facts

Who
Daniel Chapo (Mozambican president who attended the commemoration); Graça Machel (Samora Machel's widow who attended the commemoration); Ronald Lamola (international relations and cooperation minister); Enoch Ishmael Terra Shabangu (Ehlanzeni municipality mayor who gave the vote of thanks)
What
The EFF filed complaints alleging that state-funded transport, logistics and catering were used to bring ANC supporters to the Samora Machel commemoration, and that a municipal mayor used the vote of thanks to urge voting for the ANC. The ANC's Mpumalanga spokesperson denied using government money for campaigns.
When
19 October 2026
Where
Mbuzini, Nkomazi local municipality, Mpumalanga
Status
Reported

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