ANC fights to protect IEC funds from R40 million debt claim

The governing African National Congress (ANC) is set to appear in Johannesburg's High Court on Thursday, in a desperate bid to safeguard funding it is owed by the South African Electoral Commission (IEC). A company, Eltel, is seeking to attach the ANC's IEC allocation to repay a R40 million debt. Experts warn that the ANC, which forms part of the national unity government, risks losing its credibility due to allegations of failing to pay Casoojee R40 million for services rendered during the 2019 general election.

Eltel, founded by businessman Asif Casoojee, is demanding court-ordered attachment of the ANC's IEC allocation. Casoojee claims that the ANC was aware of the debt during discussions with Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was the party's treasurer-general at the time. Mashatile, however, cited financial constraints and stated that the party was awaiting payments from the IEC to meet its obligations.

Eltel seeks to obtain a court order to freeze the IEC allocation and instead pay the ANC. The IEC spokesperson, Kate Bapela, declined to comment on the internal issues of political parties. Eltel warns that the ANC's "protracted evasion" of payment obligations has left the company on the verge of collapse. Should the IEC allocation pass into the ANC's operational accounts, it would likely be consumed within days by campaign expenses, advertisements, and field operations for the 2026 local government elections.

Without immediate court intervention, the company faces complete operational collapse and liquidation before the next statutory allocation cycle.

Political analysts have criticized the ANC's financial management, noting that the party's failure to uphold discipline and accountability has become evident in various aspects, including late candidate list submissions. Analysts cautioned that the ANC's unresolved financial problems could undermine the stability and trust within the national unity government.