Thint Report Malicious, Sensationalist - ANC [Business Day, 2008-06-21]

Publication: Business Day Issued: Date: 2008-06-21 Reporter: Sapa Reporter:

Thint Report Malicious, Sensationalist - ANC

Publication	Business Day
Date	2008-06-21
Reporter	Sapa
Web Link	www.bday.co.za

THE AFRICAN National Congress (ANC) dismissed as "malicious and sensationalist" reports today that the company at the centre of the arms deal controversy, Thint, had donated it R25,000 for a conference.

The Times newspaper reported that Thint donated R25,000 towards the costs of the ANC’s KwaZulu-Natal provincial congress. However, the ANC’s Mike Mabuyakhulu said the money had not simply been transferred to the ANC, but was a pledge.

He said the newspaper’s headline implied that the ANC had been paid before by this company and this was "not the truth". Mabuyakhulu said the party was not a profit-making organisation, but relied on sponsorship from the community and other organisations. Responding to questions from reporters, Mabuyakhulu said the cost of the conference was far greater than Thint’s pledge to the ANC."It is a mere fraction of the cost." However, he could not provide a firm figure.

Asked whether the funds were solicited, Mabuyakhulu replied that the circumstance of the pledge were part of a relationship that the ANC would not share with the media.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Business Day.