Is the ANC playing politics with SASSA?
The ANC’s utilisation of SASSA has raised concerns as the Democratic Alliance (DA) accuses them of politicising vital state services.
The recent utilisation of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) by a political party has sparked concerns about the potential politicisation of essential state services.
SASSA, an integral arm of the State, is tasked with providing social security services to eligible individuals without any political bias.
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Over the weekend, a political party, which happens to be the Democratic Alliance (DA), raised objections to the release of a graphic by another political party, the African National Congress (ANC).
THE GRAPHIC HAD A SASSA CARD
The graphic featured a SASSA card with the caption, “The ANC remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of our people, especially through impactful social grants.”
The ANC remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of our people, especially through impactful social grants. Together, we build a foundation of support, ensuring no one is left behind.
— African National Congress (@MYANC) November 19, 2023
Visit your local voting station.#RegisterToVoteANC#ANCAtWork pic.twitter.com/5aWxqX43c8
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The DA argues that this attempt by the ANC to associate itself with the critical social security services provided by SASSA may signify a misuse of state resources for political gain, raising questions about the ethical conduct of political campaigns.
This incident follows a recent controversy involving the improper use of Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya’s image in an ANC voter registration poster.
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While the ANC has issued an apology for this matter, it brings attention to a broader pattern of utilising state entities for political purposes, potentially compromising the standards of ethical political conduct.
WHAT DOES THE DA STRONGLY ASSERT?
“The DA firmly asserts that SASSA is not an ANC project, and we reject the ANC’s attempts to falsely claim credit for the agency’s crucial work,” said the DA.
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The objections raised by the DA regarding the politicisation of SASSA by the ANC underscore broader concerns about the appropriate use of state resources and institutions in political campaigns.