-Staff Writer / Wed, 11 March 2026
The African National Congress (ANC) has distanced itself from the distribution of food parcels allegedly done under its banner by a deputy minister, saying the activity was not authorised by the party.
This comes after images circulated on social media showing food parcels being handed out while displaying the ANC’s colours and branding by Bernice Swarts, a Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister.
In a statement released on Tuesday, 11 March, ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the images created a false impression that the initiative formed part of an official ANC programme.
“The ANC wishes to state categorically that the distribution reflected in these images is not an ANC campaign and was not authorised by any structure of the organisation,” said Bhengu.
She said the party has therefore distanced itself from the actions and emphasised that the activity was not conducted under the authority or mandate of the ANC.
Bhengu said while the organisation recognises that many members across the country assist vulnerable communities, such initiatives should not use the ANC’s name, colours or branding if they are private activities.
“Acts of charity or community assistance must never be conducted using the ANC name, colours or branding, nor should they be presented as organisational programmes when they are private initiatives,” she said.
She added that helping communities must always be done in a way that respects people’s dignity.
“The movement further underscores that assistance to communities must always uphold the dignity and respect of the people, and must never be conducted in a manner that may diminish their humanity,” Bhengu said.
The ANC said it has already taken internal steps to address the matter and reprimanded those involved in the activity carried out under the party banner without authorisation.
The party also called on members and organisations to refrain from misusing the ANC name and symbols, warning that such actions could mislead the public and undermine communities.
The ANC said it remains committed to addressing poverty, unemployment and inequality as part of its mission to improve the lives of South Africans.
News Junction (Gold Standard)
