Right now, Ramaphosa Leaks is the political scandal that has the nation on tenterhooks. A slew of emails and bank statements – made public in a fashion the presidency has labelled “illegal” – reveal just who had been ploughing their funds into Cyril’s 2017 ANC leadership bid. Amongst those listed includes “ABSA Nation Building”.
How much money did Cyril Ramaphosa get for CR17?
They’re implicated in a report which was published by the Sunday Independent over the weekend. They place the bank as one of the biggest individual donors, matching the contribution made by South Africa’s richest man, Nicky Oppenheimer. However, one anonymous backer is reported to have put R120 million into the kitty.
In a statement made late on Saturday, the presidency said Ramaphosa had been made aware that confidential banking information of his campaign contributors had been leaked to the media. Around R400 million was allegedly given to Cyril, as he beat Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to the ANC’s top post almost two years ago.
It’s understood the head of state will seek court action to investigate how Mkhwebane managed to get inside the bank accounts belonging to the president. The pair are already set for a duel in the North Gauteng High Court on Monday, regarding Bosasa’s R500 000 payment to the CR17 campaign.
ABSA rubbish claims they gave money to Ramaphosa
However, ABSA have categorically denied any involvement whatsoever with Ramaphosa’s successful leadership bid. They explain that “Nation Building” was simply a reference given by a third party. The bank says the firm is completely separate to their company:
“ABSA has noted with concern the report in today’s Sunday Independent where “ABSA Nation Building” is listed as a donor to the CR17 political campaign. As a policy, Absa does not make donations to political parties or politicians.”
“Today we contacted Mzilikazi wa Afrika, one of the authors of the article who confirmed to us that “ABSA Nation Building” was a transaction reference by third parties, not an entity. Thus, the link to ABSA is purely coincidental. That name does not exist as an entity within ABSA.”
Who else has donated to CR17?
Johnny Copelyn, the man who owns news channel eNCA, and Raymond Ackerman, the owner of Pick n Pay, are also believed to have given R3 million to the campaign between them. The well-connected funders have upset those across the political divide, including the EFF, who have lambasted Ramaphosa for having “zero integrity”.
