{
  "id": 15542456,
  "title": "ANC dragged to court over R40m debt as creditor targets IEC funding",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/anc-dragged-to-court-over-r40m-debt-as-creditor-targets-iec-funding",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T02:03:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/anc-dragged-court-r40m-debt-creditor-targets-iec-funding/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The ANC is facing legal action as a supplier, Eltel Pty (Ltd) owner Asif Casoojee, seeks to recover nearly R40 million in debt from the governing party. Casoojee is requesting the South Gauteng High Court to direct Electoral Commission (IEC) funding towards settling the debt, which dates back to the party's 2019 election campaign. The debt, originally R24 million, has grown to nearly R40 million after adding interest and legal costs. The ANC is named as the first respondent in the application, followed by the IEC and Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who served as the party's former treasurer-general. Casoojee claims the services were rendered in good faith, but the ANC delayed payment due to financial constraints and reliance on public funding. He asks the court to order the use of ANC funds to settle the outstanding amount, criticizing the party for its hypocrisy and lack of accountability.",
  "summary": "The creditor said he has communication in which the party's Paul Mashatile promised to settle the debt as soon as the ANC receives IEC funds.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}