The ANC has denied allegations that it benefited from a multimillion rand Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) tender.

According to News24, a company awarded the contract to supply locomotives to the rail agency made a series of payments to the ANC. The report reveals that Prasa Chairperson and ANC stalwart Popo Molefe made the incriminating claims in court papers. Molefe has been involved in a tug-of-war with former Prasa boss Lucky Montana.

News24 reported that Molefe had alleged under oath that the supplier of Prasa’s controversial Afro 4000 locomotives paid R80 million to entities who were not creditors of the company after an Angolan businesswoman had insisted that 10 % of the tender’s value be paid to the ANC.

But South African Presidential Spokesperson Zizi Kodwa denied this. “The ANC hasn’t received any such funds from the companies concerned and condemns in the harshest possible terms rumour mongering and the use of the name of the organisation between individuals in their personal deals with no mandate from the party,” he said.

He added that the ANC appreciated the fact that the matter was before the courts and will attentively watch the outcomes of this process. “We reserve our rights to take action against those who impugn the reputation and integrity of the ANC.”

In response to the allegations, Montana wrote a series of messages on social media network Twitter, suggesting Molefe had an ulterior motive: “‘Perfect timing’ by Popo Molefe 2 ‘release’ affidavit to coincide with P.Gordhan matter & feed into ‘strong’ Anti-ANC, Anti-Zuma sentiments.” The “matter” referred to is the probe opened by the Hawks against Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, which many believe is part of a plot to seize control of the Treasury.

Montana continued:





As the case continues, we may find out.