In a revelation that has set South Africa political circles ablaze former Police Minister Bheki Cele has sensationally claimed that businessman Vusimuzi Cat Matlala confessed to being used in a covert political scheme aimed at funding Senzo Mchunu alleged presidential campaign. Cele alleges that a meeting for this mysterious project took place at a luxury hotel in Durban last year a gathering that could expose deep divisions within the country ruling elite.
Speaking at a press briefing in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday Cele said Matlala had privately approached him to express regret for being drawn into what he described as a political game. According to Cele Matlala revealed that he had been pressured by individuals close to power to assist in acquiring a vehicle meant to support Mchunu rise to either president or deputy president.
Cat told me directly that he was being used. He said money and vehicles were being discussed behind closed doors to push a political agenda that had nothing to do with public service Cele said. The meeting as I was informed happened in one of Durban top hotels a five-star establishment where the strategy was crafted.
The allegations though unverified have caused a storm of speculation within political and business circles with many questioning whether the claims point to deeper factional battles within the ANC and government.
Cele, known for his outspoken nature, insisted that his comments were not politically motivated but rather a warning against the misuse of business networks for personal political gain. If politics becomes about who can fund whose campaign then we are in serious trouble as a nation he said.
Neither Matlala nor Mchunu has publicly responded to Cele explosive claims. However insiders suggest the former Water and Sanitation Minister is shocked and disappointed by the allegations which threaten to reignite tensions between former allies.
Political analysts have described Cele revelation as a calculated grenade suggesting that it could reshape internal power dynamics ahead of upcoming party conferences.
For now South Africans are left wondering: was there really a secret Durban hotel meeting plotting Mchunu rise or is this yet another twist in the country endlessly dramatic political saga?