ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu says the African National Congress rejects “baseless” allegations of foreign interference and reaffirms the integrity of its electoral processes.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
The African National Congress (ANC) has denied allegations of foreign interference in its electoral processes, dismissing recent media reports as “entirely baseless” and part of a broader misinformation campaign.
The response follows media reports based on purportedly leaked documents alleging that the ANC may have been influenced by, or had links to, foreign state actors.
These reports suggest possible involvement with Russian and Iranian networks, including claims of covert funding, disinformation support, or strategic political backing intended to influence South Africa’s electoral outcomes.
The allegations further imply that such foreign actors may have sought to shape public opinion or indirectly benefit the ANC through coordinated efforts, although no concrete evidence has been publicly verified.
In a statement earlier this month, Ryan Smith, the Democratic Alliance’s spokesperson on international relations, cited a 2024 study by the Institute for Security Studies and alleged leaked documents linked to Russia’s foreign intelligence service.
According to Smith, these reports point to “targeted cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns” aimed at South African opposition parties, which he described as a threat to national security.
He further criticised government officials for dismissing the claims, arguing this amounted to ignoring potential interference by the Russian Federation.
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the party “rejects these allegations in the strongest terms” following claims based on purported leaked documents that it had links to foreign actors, including Russia and Iran.
The party further stated that there has been no foreign funding, direct or indirect, of any ANC electoral campaign and that “there has been no collaboration, coordination or engagement with any foreign intelligence service, including those of the Russian Federation or the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
“There has equally been no external influence, neither financial, strategic nor political, on the ANC’s internal democratic processes or electoral outcomes,” said Bhengu.
Describing the allegations as part of a coordinated effort to discredit the organisation, the ANC said the claims are “entirely baseless, devoid of evidence, and form part of a broader campaign of misinformation aimed at undermining the credibility of the movement and eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.”
The governing party acknowledged its history of international engagement but rejected any suggestion that such relations amount to undue influence.
It said its global ties are rooted in “anti-imperialism, mutual respect and the sovereign equality of nations,” adding that engagement with “academics, journalists, diplomats and policy institutions” is both legitimate and necessary in a democracy.
“To distort such engagements into allegations of collusion is not only intellectually dishonest but reflects a deliberate attempt to weaponise misinformation in pursuit of narrow political ends,” the ANC said.
Reaffirming its position, the party said it remains committed to safeguarding South Africa’s democratic institutions and sovereignty.
“We remain resolute in defending the sovereignty of our country, the integrity of our democratic processes, and the right of South Africans to determine their own future free from both internal distortion and external interference,” Bhengu said.
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