ANC in KZN confident of winning eThekwini with outright majority

The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has expressed confidence in winning the City of eThekwini with an outright majority in the upcoming local government elections. The party held a campaign rally over the weekend, attended by party president Cyril Ramaphosa and other members of the National Executive Committee (NEC). The event was part of the party's efforts to regain strength in the province after a major blow in the last general elections.

The ANC obtained only 17% of the vote in the last general elections, prompting the party's secretary-general and the National Working Committee (NWC) to disband the party's provincial executive committee (PEC) and appoint a Provincial Task Team (PTT). However, the party's deputy convenor in the province, Siboniso Duma, told supporters at the event that the ANC is strong enough to contest most municipalities, including the City of eThekwini.

Duma identified crime and poor water provision in some wards in eThekwini as significant challenges for the party. However, he said there is progress in ensuring that communities affected by water issues are prioritized. The party has established volunteers, cells, and programs in each ward, which has boosted its confidence in winning the municipality.

Crime is a significant problem in the northern part of eThekwini, particularly in areas such as Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu. Duma appealed to Ramaphosa to deploy the army to those areas to help police fight criminals, citing the impact of crime on ANC volunteers and campaigns. Some supporters and voters have left their homes due to crime, making it difficult for ANC members to attend meetings.

Another member of the ANC PTT, Thanudoxolo Sabelo, said the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party is weakening in KZN due to internal issues. He claimed that those who left the ANC to support the MK party now want to return to the ANC. Sabelo welcomed a former MK party member into the ANC and another who crossed the floor from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) at the event.

The ANC is experiencing a surge in membership, with Sabelo stating that the party is welcoming members from different political parties every day. He described the MK party as a "stokvel party" that is crumbling everywhere, with ANC members realizing that there is no other hope except the African National Congress.

The ANC is expected to face stiff competition in the local government elections, but the party remains confident of its chances. With the election date set for November 4, the party is intensifying its campaigns, and Ramaphosa's presence at the rally is seen as a significant boost to the party's efforts in KZN. The ANC's ability to address the challenges in eThekwini will be crucial in determining its success in the elections.

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