The African National Congress (ANC) on Wednesday distanced itself from the distribution of food parcels, emphasising that the activity was not under the mandate or authority of the party.

The party noted social media images depicting the distribution of food parcels by Deputy Minister and ANC MP Bernice Swarts, while displaying the name, colours and branding of the party.

ANC National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the images created the false impression that the distribution was 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,” she said.

Bhengu said the party has taken internal steps to address the matter and has reprimanded Swarts, as well as those who participated in the activity under the ANC banner without authorisation.

The ANC acknowledged that some of its members undertake a 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. 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,” Bhengu stated.

The ANC further stressed that assistance to communities must uphold their dignity and respect and must not diminish their humanity.

The ANC said its members, organisations and individuals must refrain from “misusing” the ANC name and symbols, in ways that undermine the dignity of communities or mislead the public.