The African National Congress (ANC) has launched an investigation into alleged serious misconduct involving a service provider appointed to assist with the administration of its recent Johannesburg regional conference, raising fresh concerns about the integrity of internal party electoral processes.
The probe follows an on-site inspection conducted on Sunday, 25 January 2025, by members of the South African Police Service, accompanied by ANC security officials, at premises where the alleged misconduct was believed to have taken place. Senior party structures, including members of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), the Electoral Committee and the Gauteng Provincial Task Team, were present during the inspection.
According to ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu, the visit was prompted by a tip-off received by the party’s Office of the Secretary General, which triggered an internal investigation. “That preliminary investigation revealed information pointing to possible wrongdoing, which is why the matter was referred to the police,” Bhengu said.
She said the ANC viewed the allegations in a serious light, noting that any proven misconduct would undermine confidence in the organisation’s internal democratic processes. “The credibility of ANC conferences is fundamental to how leadership is elected and how the organisation functions. Any attempt to manipulate or compromise that process cannot be tolerated,” Bhengu said.
While the ANC has not disclosed the nature of the alleged misconduct or the identity of the service provider, Bhengu confirmed that both disciplinary and criminal processes could follow should evidence warrant such action. She stressed that the party was committed to full accountability and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
The Johannesburg regional conference is a key political event within the ANC’s largest metropolitan region, which has significant influence in both provincial and national party dynamics. Internal elections in the region have historically been fiercely contested, often reflecting broader factional battles within the governing party.
Data from previous ANC conferences shows that disputes over credentials, voting procedures and conference administration have been a recurring source of tension, with several regional and provincial gatherings in recent years ending up before internal appeals structures or the courts.
Bhengu urged ANC members to refrain from public speculation while investigations are under way. “Members are encouraged to allow due process to unfold and to respect the leadership that was elected, so that it can continue serving the people of Johannesburg,” she said.
Police have not yet confirmed whether a formal criminal case has been opened, but investigations are continuing.
