By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) secretariat has confirmed prima facie misconduct into vote rigging during the party’s Greater Johannesburg Region elective conference in December.
The discovery of ballot papers at a private Pretoria home has sparked widespread outrage.
The controversy stems from allegations of bribery and election rigging has prompted both a police investigation and internal party probes.
Acting on complaints, police visited the property on Sunday, where a video later circulated on social media showing officers opening a black plastic bag from which what appeared to be ballot papers spilled out.
The conference resulted in a narrow victory for Loyiso Masuku, who defeated City of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero by 184 votes to 149, becoming the first woman elected as ANC Johannesburg regional chairperson.
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said an investigation by the office of Secretary General Fikile Mbalula confirmed prima facie misconduct.
“The ANC regards these allegations as extremely serious,” she said.
“If proven, they would have the effect of bringing the ANC into disrepute and drawing into question the credibility and integrity of internal ANC electoral processes. This would call for disciplinary action and, possibly also, the institution of criminal charges.”
Bhengu vowed that the party would ensure “that no stone is left unturned to uncover any wrongdoing and ensure full accountability in this matter.”
The ballots were meant to be kept safe and sealed and returned to the ANC.
On Monday evening, ANC regional secretary for the Greater Johannesburg region, Sasabona Manganye, strongly denied claims of vote rigging.
Manganye labelled the conference’s election process as inclusive, credible, and constitutionally sound.
The Regional Executive Committee (REC) determined that Morero would remain at the helm in Joburg until the local government elections,
ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has also commented on the matter, stating that he is awaiting a detailed report regarding the discovery of the alleged ballot papers linked to the Johannesburg regional conference.