By Staff Writer
28:09:2021

On Monday, ANC treasurer Paul Mashatile moved swiftly to deny buying votes as pictures emerged of him and other officials handing out cash in a church in Makhado, which have since gone viral. Mashatile stated that it was tithes, which is the transfer of 10% of one’s salary to the church, and that this was shared with the other congregants so as they did not feel inferior.

The incident occurred in a context wherein the ruling African National Congress has not been able to pay staff, who had previously picketed outside its offices, but have since postponed this action to assist with the election. Further, the party reportedly also owes the taxman for deducting PAYE as you earn (PAYE) tax from staff, yet had not handed it over to the revenue service. The move is illegal under the country’s election laws and may constitute fraud if proved, though this is often difficult.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Accountability Now’s Advocate Paul Hoffmann argued that factors such as these inhibit the fairness of elections. He further alluded to the fact that this may be difficult to prove, but that voters need to make up their own minds,” It will be difficult to prove that the intention was to buy votes or enter into a corrupt transaction, but those who’ve looked at the video will draw their own conclusions [around] the intention behind those receiving the money and behind Mr Mashatile.

Advocate Hoffmann further contextualised this by arguing that the ANC’s proceeds from the ‘corrupt’ arms deal and the Hitachi Power Africa deal already provided them with an unfair advantage compared to other parties, coupled with the fact that they already have an unfair advantage have access to the public purse.

The Independent Election Commission left it to parliament to adjudicate. A party funding fill has since been promulgated, which Hoffmann argues requires tightening for such instances not to occur in the future.

On the question of religion and politics, it was noted that different countries see the separation of powers between the church and the state differently, with South Africa seeing rather ‘cosy’ ties between the two.

However, Hoffmann astutely notes that this is not necessarily about buying votes but also a means of campaigning without the need for bussing in people, especially as we face a pandemic.

“It’s not just to buy votes, and people know that it is simply a vehicle for campaigning. It’s a way of getting a crowd together without having to bus them in. So, I think that is why politicians resort to church services because it gives them a captive audience, And the clergy is prepared to tolerate that.”

Meanwhile, the ANC on Monday launched its local government manifesto, reiterating that the party had made mistakes in the past and vowing to combat corruption. Service delivery has also been on the agenda. The party promises to solve water supply issues, intensify the fight against crime by partnering with communities, and tackle hunger by cultivating pavements and public spaces.

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