Forensic report clears ANC's Gwen Ramokgopa of alleged links to Matlala



African National Congress (ANC) Treasurer-General Dr Gwen Ramokgopa has denied claims linking her to alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, dismissing the accusations as part of a malicious campaign aimed at destabilising the party.

The allegations surfaced recently on social media and circulated widely among various news outlets, insinuating a close relationship between Ramokgopa and Matlala. 

Anonymous sources claimed that Ramokgopa and Matlala referred to each other as “Ngwana ko hae” — or sibling — and suggested that intercepted text messages showed she had benefited from Matlala’s illicit funds. 

Additional claims stated that Matlala allegedly delivered cash drop-offs totalling R2 million to the home of marketing consultant Groovin Nchabeleng on Ramokgopa’s behalf.

In a move to clear her name, the Progressive Business Forum (PBF), which Ramokgopa chairs, launched a forensic investigation into the allegations.

PBF had enlisted the services of Tayfin Forensic Auditors to trace the origins of the disinformation.

The auditors released the findings of their investigations on Friday last week, confirming that the narratives on social media are faceless, false, and malicious against the PBF, its Chairperson Ramokgopa, and the associates.

It also confirmed that there is no evidence that links Ramokgopa, the PBF, and associates to individuals currently facing criminal charges or identified as persons of interest in criminal investigations.

Speaking on Newzroom Afrika’s Sunday segment, Ramokgopa strongly refuted the allegations, stressing that faceless actors deliberately tried to tarnish her reputation and damage the ANC’s renewal efforts.

“There are indeed people who’ve been protected by faceless and malicious threats and social media narratives that have linked me — especially myself — and those I work with to some people facing grave allegations of corruption, including Mr Cat Matlala and his associates,” Ramokgopa said. 

“From the moment we saw these tweets, we ensured that we protect not only our reputation but also the institutions we serve, including the ANC and other organisations that benefit from the dialogue we put together on crucial conversations ranging from health, economy, to logistics.”

Ramokgopa revealed that the institutions with which she is involved have launched formal investigations, appointing forensic experts to trace the source of the damaging misinformation. 

“We reported this to the board. The board resolved to institute investigations. The forensic investigators have been mandated to do the initial work to identify those involved and advise on how to protect the reputation of the institutions we serve,” she explained. 

She also noted that some social media accounts linked to disseminating the allegations were cloned or used without permission.

“The only legitimate account that published this information belongs to Musa Khawula, and one of our associates has sent a letter of demand to him and he retracted,” Ramokgopa added. 

“We have also opened police cases and will continue getting to the bottom of who is behind this.”

Addressing the motivation behind the allegations, Ramokgopa speculated that the campaign seeks to sow discord within the ANC leadership. 

“Some narratives suggest that I am working with Matlala and his associates against the Secretary-General, which is false. As the seven officials, we work well together, focusing on the renewal agenda and preparations for key party events like the NGC and upcoming elections.”

“There are forces that want to create strife among us — perhaps as has happened in the past — but they remain disappointed. It also seems some people who want to see the ANC fail believe the party should continue to decline instead of pursuing renewal.”

She urged calm and unity amidst the controversy. 

“We are committed to ensuring wrongdoing does not get a cover under the ANC’s name. The renewal path is on track. We will continue to protect our reputation and the institutions we serve.”

Ramokgopa concluded by affirming her confidence in justice prevailing. She stated that the character assassination campaign has been deeply disturbing but that she will “not rest until we get to the bottom of this matter.”

 

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za

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