The African National Congress has dismissed social media reports claiming that the parity’s deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte has passed away.
In a statement which the ANC released on Sunday, 24 April 2022, it has labelled the rumours as inhumane, barbaric andinconsiderate.
“ These fake news messages are very inhumane , barbaric, inconsiderate and very hurting to the person of DSG, friends, comrades as well as to the broader mass democratic movement,” said the party’s national spokesperson Pule Mabe.
Mabe has called no those responsible for the dissemination of these malicious rumours to refrain from doing so.
“We call on those responsible for the dissemination of these malicious and insensitive rumours to immediately refrain from such acts as they are causing nothing but unnecessary panic within the movement and amongst DSG Duarte’s family, friends, and comrades,”
He said the ANC will approach authorities if these rumours persist.
“Should the peddlers of the misleading rumours persist, the ANC will be left with no choice but to approach relevant authorities to investigate the origins and accordingly act upon those responsible.”
Mabe added that the party is encouraged by the DSG display of strength on a daily basis and look forward to her imminent return to office.
