ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe says he is rejecting accusations that his remarks amount to vote-buying or emotional blackmail ahead of elections. He defends linking government RDP houses and social grants to ANC policies, saying the issue is political context rather than an attempt to influence voters improperly.
The reports describe Mantashe’s stance as a response to public criticism of statements he made connecting housing and welfare support with support for the ANC. He characterizes the allegations as unfounded and says claims that he is using social programmes to secure votes are incorrect.
While outlets focus on the dispute over his wording, the underlying agreement is that Mantashe is publicly contesting claims that voters are being pressured through housing or grant benefits. The coverage frames the matter as part of heightened election-era rhetoric and scrutiny of how parties discuss state support programmes.
