Rise Mzansi has lodged a complaint with the Electoral Commission of South Africa over claims made about its Johannesburg Ward 58 candidate, Aziz Ally.
The complaint targets March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and podcast host Thomas Mabaso, who Rise Mzansi says helped spread false claims about Ally’s nationality.
According to Daily Maverick, Ally is South African and was born in KwaZulu-Natal. Rise Mzansi’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate Lukhona Mnguni confirmed that the complaint was submitted on 14 October.
Complaint Centres on False Nationality Claims
The dispute followed social media posts involving a Somali community activist who was helping with Ally’s campaign.
Operation Dudula posted about the volunteer, while Ngobese-Zuma later made claims suggesting Ally was also a foreign national.
Daily Maverick reports that Rise Mzansi alleges the posts falsely suggested non-citizens were being allowed to stand for election.
Mnguni told the Sunday Tribune that Ally is South African and accused Ngobese-Zuma of spreading misinformation about him.
IEC Rules Prohibit False Election Claims
The IEC’s official election guidance states that the Electoral Code of Conduct prohibits parties and candidates from publishing false information or defamatory allegations about rival parties and candidates.
The Commission also says it monitors election-related disinformation and can refer alleged breaches for possible further action.
Rise Mzansi has asked the IEC to investigate the posts and videos, seek corrections or removals where appropriate, and consider sanctions.
IEC Has Not Announced a Finding
At this stage, the complaint remains an allegation before the Commission.
The IEC has not announced a finding against Ngobese-Zuma or Mabaso.
Ally told Daily Maverick that the controversy had left him fearful and affected his motivation to campaign.