President Cyril Ramaphosa says the ANC is targeting 80% of the vote in the Eastern Cape and 90% in Mdantsane ahead of the November 4 elections.
Ramaphosa was speaking at a community meeting following an ANC door-to-door campaign, where he called on supporters to turn out in large numbers to vote for the party’s candidates saying it had worked to improve people’s lives since the advent of democracy in 1994.
He said the ANC wanted to continue improving people’s lives, adding that the party believed it had a track record of working for communities.
He defended the ANC government’s housing programme, claiming that it had delivered four million houses since 1994.
He said the programme had helped people move from informal settlements into homes that provide them with dignity and security, with beneficiaries also receiving title deeds.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that unemployment remained a major challenge, particularly among young people, saying government was working to strengthen the economy and attract foreign investment to create jobs.
He cited Mercedes-Benz as an example, saying government had engaged with the company to encourage it to remain in South Africa and help protect jobs.
He said government was also working to open up international markets for businesses so that companies could continue operating and employing local people.
The President also highlighted infrastructure development in the Eastern Cape, including roads, dams and the Mzimvubu project, crediting Premier Oscar Mabuyane for consistently pushing for investment in the province.
The President also praised Buffalo City Metro for what he described as clean streets during his visit, thanking the mayor and municipal leadership.
However, he warned against nepotism and the misuse of public funds, saying elected representatives must serve the communities that voted them into office rather than use their positions to benefit friends and relatives.
Ramaphosa said he expected strong ANC support in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, and urged residents to participate in the upcoming elections.
He also indicated that he would return to the area on November 1, ahead of the November 4 vote.
Thulisile Mapongwana
www.algoafm.co.za