NELSPRUIT – The ANC, with president Mr Jacob Zuma at the helm, is in the province this week and pulling out all the stops in an attempt to secure a majority vote in the upcoming national elections this year.
Except from a canvas drive, Zuma is in town for the ANC’s annual national executive committee meeting, as well as the 2014 general elections manifesto launch which will take place at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday. On Wednesday he visited the densely populated KaNyamazane, east of Nelspruit, where he expects a strong power base.
On Thursday, he was at Mala-mala, personally handing over the largest land-restitution claim since 1994. Mala-mala, one of South Africa’s most successful game reserves in the Sabi Sands conservancy, was bought up for R939 360 000. The Rattray family, owning the concern, will continue to manage it on behalf of the beneficiary, which is the N’wandlamhlarhi Community Property Association.
During his visit to KaNyamazane, a lively Zuma – dancing and chanting on stage for an unexpectedly small crowd of about 700 (regarding it was a workday) – promised his supporters that he will return after the elections to slaughter cattle, should they give him a 90 per cent vote in this area. He proceeded to do a few house calls as well.
Other high-ranking ANC officials visited various areas in the province this week. Deputy-president of the ANC, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, was in the Nkomazi area on Wednesday where he walked about at Tonga Mall and the local taxi rank. He had lunch with traditional leaders as well as representatives of various businesses and faith organisations before attending a mini rally at the KwaMhlushwa Community Hall. The group stayed over in the Nkomazi area and continued their canvassing on Thursday.
ANC national chairman Mr Baleka Mbete hosted a mini-rally in Thulamahashe in the Bushbuckridge subregion. The ANC drive in Mpumalanga will reach its climax on Saturday. This will be Zuma’s first major public appearance since Nelson Mandela’s passing last month, where he received a disappointing welcome and was booed by many of the spectators.
