ANC members seen distributing bread under the party’s branding, but the ANC has distanced itself, calling the act 'unauthorised'.
Image: Screenshot
The ANC has distanced itself from the controversial bread distribution that has recently gone viral on social media, clarifying that the act was not part of any official party campaign and was not authorised by the organisation.
The incident, involving ANC Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts, showed volunteers handing out bread under the ANC’s name and branding, which some have viewed as a campaign stunt ahead of the Local Government Elections (LGE).
"The images circulating on social media create the false impression that this was part of an official ANC programme or campaign," ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said.
"We want to make it clear that this activity was not authorised by any ANC structure.
Bhengu stressed that the ANC distances itself from these actions and emphasised that the activity was not undertaken under the mandate or authority of the party.
The bread distribution, which was widely shared in a video on social media, shows ANC volunteers handing out loaves of bread to residents.
In the video, one volunteer is heard saying, “We are here from the ANC, one loaf one family, ANC is life, so one loaf means a lot.”
This act has sparked widespread criticism, with the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) Gauteng calling it an inappropriate and undignified tactic.
SANCO has strongly criticised the use of bread distribution as a campaign strategy, arguing that these types of gestures reduce the electorate to mere recipients of short-term handouts, rather than addressing the underlying issues that people face every day.
While SANCO supports democratic engagement and the right to campaign, the organisation believes that such actions are an inappropriate form of persuasion.
“Our people should not be reduced to recipients of short-term handouts during election periods while their long-standing needs for sustainable development and proper services remain unresolved.”
The civic body pointed out that communities in Gauteng are grappling with urgent challenges that demand concrete solutions, including access to reliable water, sanitation, electricity, housing, and job creation.
These, SANCO insists, should form the backbone of any political campaign, not symbolic actions like bread distribution that fail to address real, tangible issues.
Bhengu clarified that the ANC recognizes the important role its members play in supporting vulnerable households and community initiatives. These acts reflect the values of Ubuntu and the service to the people that define the movement.
However, Bhengu stressed that while members may assist communities, such initiatives must not be linked to the ANC name or branding unless officially sanctioned.
"Members are reminded that acts of charity or community assistance must not be conducted using the ANC name, colours, or branding, nor should they be presented as organisational programmes when they are private initiatives," Bhengu said.
Bhengu further emphasised that any community assistance must uphold the dignity and respect of the recipients.
"Assistance must always uphold the dignity and respect of the people it aims to help and must never be conducted in a manner that diminishes their humanity," Bhengu added.
The ANC also confirmed that it had reprimanded those involved in the unauthorised bread distribution.
"The party has taken the necessary steps internally and has reprimanded those involved in using the ANC name and symbols without permission," Bhengu said.
She also called on all members, organisations, and individuals to refrain from misusing the ANC name and symbols, particularly in ways that undermine the dignity of communities or mislead the public.
''The movement remains committed to advancing lasting solutions to poverty, unemployment, and inequality in line with its historic mission to build a better life for all,'' she said.
SANCO urged political leaders to focus on meaningful solutions and maintain ethical campaigning practices.
“Campaigns should focus on clear programmes for service delivery, community development, and accountability rather than temporary gestures like bread distribution, which may create the impression of vote-buying or exploitation of vulnerable residents,” said SANCO.
SANCO also urged all stakeholders to uphold the principles of ethical leadership, community dignity, and responsible political engagement as the local government elections approach.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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