MBOMBELA – Mpumalanga has gone from being the worst province to the best.
On Sunday the president, Mr Jacob Zuma commended the party’s provincial leadership for improving from what some would have called the worst alliance relationships in the country.
He was speaking during the launch of the party’s manifesto at Mbombela Stadium ahead of the local government elections on August 3, which was attended by approximately 40 000 people.
“For the ANC to move South Africa forward it must be united as an organisation and an alliance. I want to thank and congratulate the provincial leadership for restoring unity in Mpumalanga.
“It is one of the best political acts we have undertaken and your example must be followed by other provinces. In unity we gain, we benefit. In disunity we lose.”
Politics in Mpumalanga was marred by public spats between the ANC and SACP and within in the ruling party last year.
While branches in a number of other provinces continue to protest against the candidate lists, such strife has largely been absent in Mpumalanga lately – with the exception of the alleged political killing of Mr Michael Zane Phelembe, deputy chairman in Pienaar, at the end of May.
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Zuma said other provinces could take a leaf from Mpumalanga’s book in conducting the process to determine candidates.
“The leadership humbled themselves and worked for unity.
“They have demonstrated that it is possible to put differences aside and find one another. We are comrades. We are not enemies,” he said.
“Mpumalanga loves the ANC and the ANC loves Mpumalanga. The ANC wants to make our people’s experience of local government a pleasant one. We want people to have the minimum services delivered as they are supposed to be. I can say with confidence that we have achieved a great deal in a very short time.
That was our mission, to restore the dignity of our people and to improve the living conditions. We still have a long journey before we reach prosperity. We are ready, able and determined to serve diligently and further improve our performance.
“We are the only organisation with the capacity, experience and track record to improve the lives of our people. Many, I forget their names, talk too much and say empty things.
“They have nothing to offer except hot air. We are asking our supporters and all South Africans to vote for the ANC. We are the only organisation which can truly unite all our people across race, colour, class and religion,” Zuma reiterated.
SACP representative and first deputy secretary, Mr Lucky Mbuyane said the time for sleeping was over and it was time for all members to go out and campaign for the ANC.
- See more pictures here: ANC launches election manifesto in Mpumalanga
ANC targeting 90 per cent of votes in Mpumalanga, June 5, 2016
MBOMBELA – President Mr Jacob Zuma sees no reason why the ANC can’t win 90 per cent of votes in the province during the local government elections on August 3.
Zuma gave the keynote address to an approximately 40,000-strong crowd at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.
He said Mpumalanga was the home of the ANC during the struggle and the people continued to love the party.
Premier and provincial ANC chairman Mr David Mabuza said they had failed to attract the number of votes previously, but this year, “We will win the election by 90 per cent.”
Zuma also commended the new found unity with alliance partners.
“This province is the undisputed stronghold of the ANC. There is absolutely no reason why we can’t get it,” he said.
“We are asking our supporters and all South Africans to vote for the ANC. We are the only organisation which can truly unite all our people across race, colour, class and religion.”
