[WATCH] ‘We’re not buying votes,’ ANC’s Mantashe says, after RDP housing backlash

ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe defended his recent remarks on RDP housing and the child support grant, rejecting claims that his comments amounted to vote-buying or emotional blackmail. During a door-to-door campaign in Freedom Park, Mantashe urged voters to acknowledge and thank the ruling party for these interventions, insisting that the ANC is "servicing society" rather than buying votes.

A video of the incident circulated on social media, drawing widespread criticism from users. Mantashe defended the party's 32 years in government, highlighting social policies like grants, housing, and education as part of "servicing society" rather than electoral tactics. He emphasized that if another party were to take over, they might modify these policies, but the ANC's responsibility is to serve society.

Critics have accused Mantashe of emotional blackmail, but he denied the charge, stating that the ANC's achievements, such as child support grants, free education, and housing schemes, are evidence of transformation. Mantashe argued that voters should appreciate the government's contributions, as receiving an asset worth R250,000 from the government should be recognized as progress.