[WATCH] ‘We’re not buying votes,’ ANC’s Mantashe says, after RDP housing backlash

” – Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 5, 2026 Defending ANC Mantashe mounted a robust defence of the party’s 32 years in government, insisting that its social policies, from grants to housing and education, are about “servicing society” rather than buying votes.

The chairperson rejected criticism that the comments amounted to vote-buying or emotional blackmail, saying the ANC is “servicing society’ rather than buying votes." ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe has defended his remarks and rejected assertions that his comments on RDP housing and the child support grant amount to vote-buying or emotional blackmail.