ANC handing out loaves of bread for election campaign sparks outrage
Not everyone was happy about the ANC's election campaign.
The ANC has found itself in the middle of controversy after a video of officials handing out loaves of bread as part of an election campaign was shared online.
Many residents feel that this campaign move misses the mark on the real struggles South Africans face daily.
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The controversy kicked off after a video began circulating on social media showing party volunteers handing out loaves of bread from a tray to community members.
In the footage, one volunteer tells the crowd: “We are here from the ANC. One loaf, one family. ANC is life, so one loaf means a lot,” after which a crowd can be heard clapping.
“One loaf means a lot” says ANC as they have started campaigning. pic.twitter.com/fJBukCzdvq
— PSAFLIVE (@PSAFLIVE) March 10, 2026
While the incident reportedly took place in Mpumalanga, provincial secretary Muzi Chirwa initially dismissed the claims.
Speaking to The Citizen, Chirwa said that the party’s standard procedure involves distributing full food parcels rather than just bread.
“I do not think this is our province,” he said.
Chirwa noted that the footage is already being used to poke fun at the party and President Cyril Ramaphosa, mentioning: “I saw that there is a T-shirt with a loaf of bread and the face of the president.”
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Another ANC official has reportedly since confirmed that the event did indeed happen in Mpumalanga.
According to this source, the provincial leadership is currently waiting for a detailed brief from the party in the Nkangala District Municipality, where the distribution took place.
Social media users have been quick to slam the campaign, with many arguing that the ANC is out of touch with reality.
Others felt that the campaign undermined the intelligence of poor residents.
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Image: X/ Screenshot