The African National Congress (ANC) has distanced itself from the trending one loaf, one family campaigning initiative by some members of the organisation.
On Monday and Tuesday, video clips circulated on social media of the ANC members handing out Albany branded breads to communities.
Before the breads were handed out, a lady is seen telling members of the ANC that President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that members must think out of the box when they do door to door campaigns.
On Wednesday, National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the organisation noted with serious concern the circulation of social media images depicting the distribution of food parcels while displaying the name, colours and branding of the ANC by Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Health Bernice Swarts.
“These images create the false impression that the activity forms part of an official ANC programme or campaign.The ANC wishes to state categorically that the distribution reflected in these images is not an ANC campaign and was not authorised by any structure of the organisation.
“The organisation therefore distances itself from these actions and emphasises that the activity was not undertaken under the mandate or authority of the ANC.The ANC recognises that many of its members across the country play an important social responsibility role in their communities by assisting vulnerable households and supporting local initiatives. Such acts of solidarity reflect the values of Ubuntu and service to the people that define the movement,” said Bhengu.
Bhengu said however, members are reminded that acts of charity or community assistance must never be conducted using the ANC name, colours or branding, nor should they be presented as organisational programmes when they are private initiatives.
“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.