Is The ANC Only For The Wealthy?

MEDIA STATEMENT RELEASED BY:
MS SYBIL SEATON
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

February 26, 2007

The Inkatha Freedom Party's Deputy Chief Whip, Ms Sybil Seaton MP, today said that it has become extremely important for the electorate to start thinking about the message that the ruling-party is sending them - in light of the ANC Ministers for sale saga.

On the 25th of February 2007, the Sunday Times published another shocking article revealing that the ANC has employed an army of recruiters to sign up businesses, for the party's controversial fundraising scheme that sells "face time" with Cabinet ministers. Call centre staff receive commission for securing signatures.

"The IFP would like to reiterate that we believe this funding scheme of the ANC is immoral and it is proof of how they manipulate and misuse their powers. Politicians are elected to serve the people and thus the ANC cannot charge for this service," said Ms Seaton.

"Extremely impoverished people, who also fought in the liberation struggle, are supporters of the ANC too. So what is the ANC now trying to tell its voters? That you can only spend time with the people you elected as your leaders if you have between R3000 and R60 000 for an ANC Progressive Business Forum membership? It's ridiculous!

"The IFP believes that it is time for all voters to think seriously about where they place their votes in future. Can South Africa continue having the country governed by a party that only serves its paying sponsors?

"Everyone agrees that party politics in a democracy requires private funding as well as public funding. But the IFP believes that selling Ministers and privileged information does not add to multi-party democracy nor does it promote accountability," concluded Ms Seaton.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mrs Sybil Seaton MP: 083 412 0075
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470