Terry Tsalane's close friend opens up about the ANC and IEC war

26 September 2016 5:35 PM

Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Executive Director Neeshan Balton says Independent Electoral Committee (IEC) Vice ChairTerry Tselane told him about the remarks made by the ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe.

Mantashe and his deputy Jessie Duarte allegedly verbally attacked Tsalane and accused him of being the enemy at the post elections results dinner.

Balton confirms the allegations and says Tselane spoke to him in his personal capacity because they have known each other for a very long time.

He was upset. He was tearful. And he was also very fearful of his own safety.
— Neeshan Balton, Ahmed Kathrada Foundation executive director

He told me that on the evening of the results at the main table he was basically accused by the secretary general of the ANC of having failed the IEC.
— Neeshan Balton, Ahmed Kathrada Foundation executive director

Balton says it was an emotional two hours when they meet to discuss what Mantashe said.

When he asked him what should the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation do, Balton says Tsalane said he just want them to know the truth should anything happen to him.

And all he said to me was that 'I know you from a long way back, if anything happens I want you to know this is the background, and please convey this to comrade Kathrada.
— Neeshan Balton, Ahmed Kathrada Foundation executive director

Listen to the full interview below...

Written by: Sinikiwe Mqadi