ANC has its cake – but won’t be eating it

ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said the eating of the ANC cake had become a major issue, with critics asking: "Why do you eat cake when the masses don't have bread?"

ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said the eating of the ANC cake had become a major issue, with critics asking: "Why do you eat cake when the masses don't have bread?"

Published Jan 10, 2013

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Durban - Another ANC rally. Another big, fat cake. However, the crowd attending the party’s anniversary rally in Durban on Saturday will have only speeches to chew on, as the 101st birthday cake is to be donated to orphans and the elderly.

ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said the eating of the ANC cake had become a major issue, with critics asking: “Why do you eat cake when the masses don’t have bread?” The cutting and eating of the ANC’s cakes, usually at least a metre long and resplendent in the black, green and gold colours of the party, became an issue last January, when the centenary cake was cut and eaten by the top six officials, in front of the masses attending the rally in Mangaung.

According to reports, the ANC’s national executive committee tabled a cake proposal and found the cake-eating culture had to be reviewed and made less insensitive.

On Wednesday, ANC KwaZulu-Natal secretary Sihle Zikalala said the cake, donated by ANC members, would be given to three places – orphanages and old age homes.

Although the masses won’t be eating cake, they will be given water amid temperatures that are forecast to soar in the city centre.

Mantashe said 1 120 buses,670 minibus taxis and eight trains, with a capacity to carry 16 000 passengers, would be bringing ANC supporters to the rally.

Earlier this week, metro police said 500 officers would be on duty as major congestion was expected because the rally would coincide with the international Volvo Golf Champions tournament at Durban Country Club across the road. - The Mercury

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