READER LETTER | Are taxpayers funding ANC spin?

As a diligent taxpayer, I find myself increasingly worried about the potential misuse of public funds to support the ANC's electioneering efforts. Last weekend, a leaked recording from an ANC national executive council (NEC) meeting revealed a disturbing directive from President Cyril Ramaphosa.

He mandated all his ANC ministers to start scheduling radio and television advertisements that showcase their departments' “achievements” since 1994. With more than R2.3bn allocated for government communications over the next few years, there's a real concern that these funds might be exploited to finance the ANC's TV and radio campaigns in a last-ditch attempt to sway voters.

This comes at a time when the ANC's prospects in the upcoming landmark national elections are notably bleak. Polls from various organisations have consistently shown a decline in the ANC's support. Most predict the ruling party will fall below 50% for the first time since the end of apartheid.

Moreover, following the launch of former president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto we Sizwe party, the ANC's popularity appears to have plummeted even further, often polling under 40%. This signifies substantial widespread public dissatisfaction which is causing strife within the party. The ANC is clearly facing a crisis of confidence among the electorate.

However, the burden of rectifying its image and regaining public trust should not fall on the shoulders of taxpayers. It will be an egregious stain on our democracy if the cash-strapped ANC uses the hard-earned money of South Africans to fund a political campaign under the guise of departmental advertising.

Lerato Ndlovu, email