South Africa: President Under Scrutiny For Private Campaign Donation

South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa is set to return a “donation” for US$35,000, given by African Global Operations — formerly known as Bosasa —  a company specialized in facilities management, for his 2017 presidential campaign.

Bosasa has profited handsomely from doing consultancy work for the current administration, according to the BBC.

There has been back and forth as to how exactly the firm funded Ramaphosa’s campaign. First, the leader alleged to the government that the money had been disbursed to Adile Ramaphosa, his son. Later, the leader indicated it had been a donation, “The donation was made without my knowledge,” he stated

The fight for honesty in politics has been one of the president’s flagship issues. The latest allegation concerning the donated funds received as a form of donation from Babosa stands in contrast to his political discourse.

“[the president] decided voluntarily that he will pay back the amount,” claimed Mmusi Maimane, from the African National Government (ANC, the president’s party), in aftermath of this event which has shaken the national leader’s credibility.

“In an ideal world, President Ramaphosa should subject himself to the NAC integrity committee,” said Johan Booysen Director of Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, based in the capital of Johannesburg.