President Cyril Ramaphosa insists his CR17 ANC presidential campaign was above board and involved no criminality or abuse of public resources.
He was responding to a question from EFF leader Julius Malema during a Q&A session in Parliament.
“Some people have used this opportunity – quite correctly in my view – to debate the issue of political funding. This is an important debate that needs to ensue in our country,” the President said.
But, Ramaphosa said, “Others have a more sinister agenda, using leaked information selectively to undermine the positive changes that have been brought about in this country since the ANC’s 54th National Conference.”
He then told the house that he gave money to two former members of the EFF central command, who have since also resigned from Parliament, because they needed help and there was no strings attached.
He said those who contributed to his CR17 campaign did so out of a “genuine concern for South Africa’s future” and that those involved were “exercising their democratic and constitutional rights” and owe no apology for what they did.
“There was no – let me repeat – no wrongdoing, no criminality and no abuse of public funds or resources.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa ON his CR17 CAMPAIGN
Ramaphosa added there was no provision in the law to disclose internal party leadership contest funding, and the matter is now for the courts to decide where he is challenging the Public Protector’s findings on a R500,000 million donation from Bosasa.
“I’m sure Malema would agree it’s unreasonable and potentially prejudicial to disclose such information until such time as all parties and candidates are held to the same standards of transparency.”
He said he “helped out the two EFF members,” who have since resigned their party leadership and parliamentary positions, with funds in the “spirit of generosity because they faced difficulties and he expected nothing in return.”
DA Chief Whip John Steenhuisen said sarcastically: “What are your interest rates?”
Judge Sulet Potterhill – who granted Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan an interdict against the implementation of Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s remedial action in her SARS-related report findings – noted that Ramaphosa, having previously maintained he knew little or nothing about his CR17 campaign accounts, was now fielding questions on it.
Following some light hearted exchanges between Ramaphosa and the EFF, the party’s national spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi interjected sharply, saying Ramaphosa’s non disclosure is becoming “toxic to the whole country and it’s not a joke.”
This after Malema jokingly, said: “One more question. And this one you will answer me outside… How many of my members did you give money to?”
Some netizens though, took offence with the image of the perceived ‘one big happy family’ playing out in the Chamber.
Responding to a supplementary question from an EFF MP on his son Andile, Ramaphosa said: “My son had clear business relationships with Bosasa in Uganda, and in my view there’s nothing more to add. In relation to other funds, I’m not aware of them.”
Ramaphosa continued that he had furnished the #StateCaptureInquiry with an affidavit on his alleged dealings with Bosasa and the Guptas.
He added that, as he has said previously, that he would be available to appear before the Commission into State Capture, and that there’s no need to establish another inquiry.
Ahead of the session, Speaker Thandi Modise turned down DA leader Mmusi Maimane’s request to have an urgent question on CR17 payments added to Thursday’s order paper.
