Tensions were palpable at Luthuli House when, on Monday, the sheriff attempted to seize assets at the ANC’s headquarters, following a Supreme Court of Appeal order related to a R102 million election banner dispute.
ANC blocks Sheriff attempts to seize assets at Luthuli House
PLEASE NOTE: The third-party content below is shared on our platform for journalistic purposes. Swisher Post, its parent company, partners and affiliates shall not be held liable for any consequence that arises from the journalistic duties performed in sharing this content.
The African National Congress (ANC) found itself in a legal bind when the SCA upheld a Gauteng High Court decision against the party in a dispute involving Ezulweni Investments over election banners, totalling R102 million.
In defiance of the court’s order, the ANC blocked the sheriff’s attempt to seize assets at Luthuli House.
The situation escalated outside Luthuli House when a truck, flanked by a group of men in camo, arrived to enforce the court order.
This bold move by the sheriff’s office was in response to the ANC’s refusal to comply with the court’s decision.
The legal tussle between the ANC and Ezulweni Investments dates back to previous rulings in 2020 and 2022.
These rulings allowed Ezulweni to seize assets from the ANC after the party failed to settle its debt with the company. Judge Trevor Gorven, dismissing the ANC’s appeal, termed the party’s stance of having no contract with Ezulwini as “utterly untenable.”
Hours after the SCA ruling, Ezulweni Investments, through their attorneys, issued an ultimatum to the ANC, demanding payment by noon on Friday.
With no payment forthcoming, Ezulweni instructed their attorneys to proceed with the attachment of the ANC’s assets, starting with its bank accounts.
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu Motsiri remained unresponsive to inquiries about the party’s plan to settle the debt. Interestingly, Ezulweni’s CEO, Ranash Radams, hinted at the possibility of converting Luthuli House into their head office rather than selling it.
Despite being led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who raised over R2 billion for his presidential campaign, the ANC has faced financial difficulties, struggling to pay salaries at Luthuli House.