Given the numerous examples of politically connected individuals benefitting from state deals and resources, as seen most notably in the SAPS lease saga, the DA welcomes comments made by ANC Chairperson Baleka Mbete that the ANC has “no intention” of using state funds to finance the ANC’s centenary celebrations. It is heartening that this sentiment has been reiterated by other senior ANC officials.

The party’s centenary, which will occur next year, will signify an important milestone in the history of the ANC. The DA acknowledges that such an event will no doubt be accompanied by celebrations. It is, however, essential that the separation between party and state is respected, and that state funds are not used to fund party political activity in any guise. That Ms Mbete and other key ANC figures have sought to assuage concerns regarding the conflation of party and state far in advance of the ANC’s centenary is an important public show of commitment by the ANC to one of the most important fundamental principles on which our democracy is based.

The DA sincerely hopes that this commitment will be heeded by all ANC structures across the country.

For public confidence in our democracy to be nurtured, it is critical that the ANC, as the majority party at national government level, conducts itself in a manner that is respectful of basic democratic principles. State resources must be used to the benefit of all South Africans, and not to serve the needs of any particular political organisation. The DA recognises the important role played by the ANC in the fight against apartheid, and the influence of certain ANC leaders, most notably President Nelson Mandela, in shaping our nation’s history, and looks forward to wishing the organisation well on reaching its centenary next year.