The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has referred to Ezulwini Investments' attempts, through the Sheriff of the Gauteng High Court, to attach its assets as “attempts to create a spectacle”, which its spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said is unnecessary.

The ANC’s Luthuli House headquarters attracted the media spotlight after Ezulwini Investments sought to attach the party's accounts and other physical assets, to recover more than R100-million the party owes it for work done during the 2019 elections campaign.

In a statement Bhengu-Motsiri said following the “unfavourable judgment” of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), which dismissed the party’s appeal against a judgment that it was liable for the outstanding amount owed to Ezulweni, the ANC indicated in earlier communication that “it is now taking the matter to the Constitutional Court which in effect postpones the execution of the SCA decision”.

The party sais it was “curious” that despite its legal team communicating with Ezulweni Investments counterparts to stay the application of the court order pending their appeal, failed attempts were made to proceed with the attachment order.

The ANC further explained that since the beginning of 2023 it had met its financial obligations to staff members and all creditors with whom the party had historical debt including paying off the South African Receiver of Revenue debt, bank and municipal bills, and other service providers.

The ANC stated that the recent provincial, youth, veterans and women's league conferences were also fully paid for and added that “in relevant instances, we remain committed to paying off any other outstanding debts once payment arrangements are finalised”.

Ezulweni Investments has now given the party until Wednesday to pay money owed or face liquidation. If liquidated, the ANC cannot contest elections.