ANC KwaZulu-Natal convenor Mike Mabuyakhulu has issued a warning to the party's critics, stating that they will be in for a "shock" when voters go to the polls on November 4. Mabuyakhulu made this statement during the launch of the final 30-day leg of the ANC's local government election campaign in Durban. He expressed confidence that the party will secure decisive victories across the province.
According to Mabuyakhulu, the ANC has used the period since its provincial task team was established to rebuild its structures following the 2024 electoral setback, to reconnect with voters. He stated that predictions of a further decline in the ANC's support were based on its past electoral performance rather than its ability to renew itself. Mabuyakhulu accused some pundits of writing off the party prematurely.
Mabuyakhulu said that the party had returned to what he described as "the basics of organising", including door-to-door campaigns, community meetings, house meetings, political lectures, and volunteer assemblies. This approach has resulted in the party's previously dormant support base being reactivated. He expressed confidence that the ANC can secure decisive victories across KwaZulu-Natal.
The ANC convenor took aim at rival parties, accusing some of focusing their campaigns on attacking the ANC rather than presenting solutions to problems confronting municipalities. Mabuyakhulu stated that the ANC would contest all municipalities in the province to consolidate areas where it governs, improve its position in municipalities where it shares power, and challenge for control where it is in opposition.
Mabuyakhulu emphasized the importance of the final 30-day campaign period, stating that "thirty days is enough time to win an election, but is not enough time to waste a single day." A countdown clock was unveiled at the ANC's provincial headquarters to symbolize the urgency of the final phase of its campaign.
ANC national executive committee (NEC) convener for KwaZulu-Natal Dickson Masemola expressed confidence that the party will take over all 54 municipalities in the province. Mabuyakhulu reiterated the party's determination, stating that "The ANC is unbowed. We remain convinced that we are the future for the people of KwaZulu-Natal."
The local government elections in KwaZulu-Natal are set to take place on November 4. The ANC's campaign efforts are focused on reconnecting with voters and presenting itself as a viable solution to the province's problems. The party's performance in the elections will be closely watched, given its past electoral setbacks and the current political landscape in the province.
Key points
- ANC KwaZulu-Natal convenor Mike Mabuyakhulu warns critics of a potential 'shock' in the upcoming local government elections.
- The ANC has rebuilt its structures and reconnected with voters since its 2024 electoral setback.
- The party aims to contest all municipalities in the province and secure decisive victories.
