Free State accused of bankrolling ANC event

'We were celebrating our heritage'

- By Bongani Mdakane [e-mail]

Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and Mangaung mayor Gregory Nthatisi are embroiled in allegations that provincial and municipal funds were used to host an ANC January 8 celebration under the guise of a heritage event, drawing sharp criticism from within their own party.

The event, titled “Our Heritage, Our History”, was held at the Waaihoek Wesleyan Church in Bloemfontein, where the ANC was formed in 1912. It occurred last Thursday as the ANC officially celebrated its January 8 statement anniversary in Rustenburg.

A cow and seven sheep were slaughtered and cooked for the masses, who attended in large numbers, many dressed in ANC regalia.

Mangaung ANC councillor Mampone Mohatle, a sangoma in training, performed a ritual with her initiates, involving dancing, burping, burning impepho (African sage), throwing snuff, and spilling umqombothi (traditional beer) to appease ancestors.

When asked if the event was organised by the government to celebrate the ANC’s January 8 statement, Nthatisi denied it.