South African voters stand by ANC despite leadership scandals, analysts say

ANC leaders embroiled in multiple controversies will continue to be elected to higher positions of the party to contest state elections because party branches remain indifferent to ethical concerns, say political analysts.

- BONGANI HANS [e-mail]

SOME South Africans will continue to vote for the ANC despite having leaders who are facing serious allegations.

(Independent Newspapers)

The analysts were commenting in reaction to the latest scandal that led to the formation of parliament's Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of political interference in police, which implicates suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu. Former president Jacob Zuma was elected while facing numerous corruption allegations, including the arms deal procurement scandal.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was reelected while also facing the Phala Phala scandal in which a huge amount of American currency, which was not declared to the taxman, was stolen during a break-in at his farmhouse.