A video of ANC volunteers handing out bread to residents has gone viral, but the party says it had nothing to do with it.
The footage shows volunteers distributing loaves under the ANC’s name and branding, with one volunteer saying: “We are here from the ANC, one loaf one family, ANC is life, so one loaf means a lot.”
Also see: ‘One loaf, one family’: ANC under fire for bread distribution during campaign
The act has sparked widespread criticism, with the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) calling it “inappropriate and undignified.”
The party’s response
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu moved quickly to distance the organisation.
“The images circulating on social media create the false impression that this was part of an official ANC programme or campaign. We want to make it clear that this activity was not authorised by any ANC structure.”
Bhengu stressed that the activity was not undertaken under the mandate or authority of the party.
The SANCO critique
SANCO Gauteng slammed the bread distribution as a campaign tactic that reduces the electorate to recipients of short-term handouts.
“Our people should not be reduced to recipients of short-term handouts during election periods while their long-standing needs for sustainable development and proper services remain unresolved.”
The organisation pointed to urgent challenges facing communities in Gauteng: reliable water, sanitation, electricity, housing, and job creation.
These, SANCO insists, should form the backbone of any political campaign, not symbolic actions that fail to address real issues.
Also see: WATCH | Lesufi sparks outrage: ‘I go to hotels to bath’ amid water crisis
The reminder
Bhengu acknowledged that ANC members often support vulnerable households and community initiatives, reflecting the values of Ubuntu and service.
But she stressed a key principle: such initiatives must not be linked to the ANC name or branding unless officially sanctioned.
“Members are reminded that acts of charity or community assistance must not be conducted using the ANC name, colours, or branding, nor should they be presented as organisational programmes when they are private initiatives.”
She added that any assistance “must always uphold the dignity and respect of the people it aims to help and must never be conducted in a manner that diminishes their humanity.”
The bottom line
The video is real. The bread was handed out. But the ANC says: that wasn’t us.
Whether the public believes that or sees it as a campaign stunt gone wrong will depend on who they trust more: the party’s statement, or their own eyes.
Compiled by Siraaj Phillips
First published on Joburg {etc}
Also see: Reasons why young South Africans should vote
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