R500k donation splits ANC

Sub-regional leaders distance themselves from bank account, branch secretary cries foul

AR500 000 donation is at the heart of a factional battle within the ANC’s Mbhashe sub-region, amid allegations of dirty tricks being used ahead of the muchanticipated Amathole regional conference.

Once close members of the Dutywa-based sub-region have accused each other of smear campaigns as questions emerge over how a half-amillion-rand donation in 2015 by businessman Regis Masuku was utilised.

According to his company online profile, Masuku amassed millions from Mbhashe municipality through various electrification tenders.

The money, which is said to have been raised to help in campaign activities ahead of the August 2016 local government elections, was deposited in a bank account believed to be that of the ANC Mbhashe subregion on 20 November 2015, according to bank documents seen by Daily Dispatch.

It came from Masuku’s own company, Rapid Dawn 1216 CC, with RPS Engineering, a company of which Masuku is a shareholder, used as a reference.

Masuku confirmed making the donation, but failed to respond to further questions.

The bank account was opened by Andile “Ace” Ncobo, a branch secretary and one of the front-runners for the chairmanship position when the Amathole region convenes its elective conference in March.

However, sources within the subregion, who asked to remain anonymous, claimed the account was not opened to benefit the party.

They further alleged that Ncobo had not disclosed the R500 000 donation and that they were not aware how it was used. Ncobo denied the allegations, labelling them as “pure lies” peddled by those who wanted to taint his name.

“These are blatant lies used as a tool to draw my name into all these obnoxious factional battles ahead of the conference,” Ncobo said.

Mbhashe sub-regional chairman Mandla Sibingibingi and treasurer Volakhe Vetyane both said they were not aware of the bank account, donations deposited or how such funds were utilised.

Ncobo rubbished the claims and said he was mandated by the subregion to open the special account and to fund raise. He said both Sibingibingi and Vetyane were aware of the bank account, donations and how funds were utilised.

“I can confirm that none at the sub-region had the password and access to the account except me. I can also confirm that I did not serve in the sub-regional structure but served in the local elections team as a coordinator of the fundraising committee.

“It was in that capacity that I was raising funds and controlling the account, with full knowledge of all members of Mbhashe sub-regional committee,” said Ncobo.

Ncobo showed the Dispatch documents detailing transactions from the account, which included payments for food and petrol for Sibingibingi and Vetyane while on official engagements outside Mbhashe.

Sibingibingi yesterday confirmed receiving R800 from Ncobo for petrol, but said he was under the impression it came from his personal account.

“He transferred it to me after I had asked him,” he said.

Vetyane could not be reached yesterday.

Sub-regional secretary Nozibele Nyalambisa said sub-regional leadership was aware of the account and donation, and that “people who say they are not aware, are just being mischievous”.