The South African Communist Party (SACP) has rejected what it calls a “one-sided focus” on the CR17 campaign fundraising.
In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, the Party said it wants “full disclosure” of the sources of funding of all campaigns ran in the African National Congress’ (ANC) 2017 presidential contest.
The SACP resolutely rejects being drawn into a one-sided focus on the fundraising details of the leadership contest associated with the last conference of the ANC.
It would be appropriate for ANC members and the public at large to receive a full disclosure of the sources of all the funds that were donated, received and used in the course of the contest, regardless of candidates involved.
SACP
The Party was reacting to weekend revelations of who funded President Cyril Ramaphosa’s CR17 campaign, which eventually emerged victorious.
Among the donors revealed include the billionaire Oppenheimer family as well as Colin Coleman, the CEO of Goldman Sachs Southern Africa.
The revelations have caused a furore, with some commentators claiming that the president has been “captured” by “white monopoly capital.”
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema tweeted on Monday that “whites bought this thing called ANC.”
However, the SACP agreed with ANC’s statement issued last week which stated that the leaks are aimed at undermining public confidence in Ramaphosa.
It also expressed concern over the “decaying” credibility of Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane.
It reiterated its call for Parliament to discuss Mkhwebane’s suitability for office as soon as it reconvenes in September.
The SACP also called on the “ANC and our movement as a whole to consider regulating funding for internal leadership campaigns.”