Gauteng ANC slams Mashaba over ‘funeral video’
The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng has branded former Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba a liar.
This comes after the People’s Dialogue founder posted a video on Twitter accusing members of the governing party of flouting Covid-19 regulations while mourning slain Gauteng leader Mapiti Matsena.
In the video, a large group of people, some in ANC regalia, can be seen gathered in an enclosed area, singing, hugging and chanting Matsena’s name.
No one can be seen wearing a mask or social distancing.
But ANC Gauteng spokesperson Bones Modise says it’s an old video.
“ANC Gauteng is seriously disgusted after learning of video posted on Twitter by Herman Mashaba claiming that ANC members have failed to comply with the regulations as outlined by President Ramaphosa,” Modise says.
“Herman Mashaba is a liar. The video that he has shared on his social media account was recorded in July 2018 during the provincial conference where comrades of Tshwane were singing about their preferred candidate.”
Modise accused Mashaba of trying to settle political scores.
“For the record, in 2018 there were no regulations or Covid-19 disease. A video that is two years old can't be used today, to try and score some cheap political points where there is no need to do so.”
Matsena was stabbed to death by a home intruder in Doornpoort, north-east of Tshwane last week.
“The ANC will not be distracted by Herman Mashaba from giving comrade Mapiti Matsena a decent send-off.
“It is extremely regrettable that the name of cadre Mapiti Matsena could be dragged through the mud by Herman Mashaba's myopic and opulent hatred towards the ANC.”
The video has since been deleted from Mashaba’s page.
“ANC Gauteng categorically refute the silly and attention seeking post by Herman Mashaba and call on him to do the most honourable thing and retract his comments about the ANC and cadre Mapiti Matsena,” says Modise.
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