The African National Congress (ANC) held its final campaign rally at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on Sunday. President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the party's record in government, highlighting its achievements in expanding access to basic services, education, and healthcare. He acknowledged the party's shortcomings and promised renewed investment and improved municipal governance. Ramaphosa emphasized the ANC's ability to engage directly with communities, distinguishing it from its opponents.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) held its final national rally in Mamelodi, Pretoria, on Saturday, with party leader Geordin Hill-Lewis urging voters to unite behind the party to bring about political change. Hill-Lewis framed the election as an opportunity to change South Africa's political trajectory and strengthen the party's position nationally. He argued that the election was a two-horse race between the ANC and DA, saying his party was within reach of overtaking the ANC nationally.
The uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, led by Jacob Zuma, held its rally at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban on Sunday. Zuma repeated many of his past grievances, blasting the Government of National Unity (GNU) and saying that parties working with "white people" showed that South Africa was not free. He claimed the country was dying a second death and that the MK party would continue working to advance the interests of black South Africans.
During his address, Ramaphosa outlined several key commitments, including municipal infrastructure investment, addressing unemployment, implementation of party policies, and accountable and ethical leadership. He called for municipalities to become centers of economic opportunity and development, prioritizing implementation over policy development. Ramaphosa also pointed to the end of load shedding as evidence of the ANC-led government's ability to deliver.
Hill-Lewis, on the other hand, emphasized the DA's focus on service delivery, infrastructure maintenance, and corruption. He urged voters to give the DA the strength to appoint competent people, tackle corruption, repair infrastructure, and improve services. Hill-Lewis also sought to address perceptions that the party represents only certain racial groups, insisting that its appeal was broader.
The MK party's Zuma expressed confidence that his party would win the elections and said that once in power, the MK party would take back "stolen" land. His address was his first major speech since the party's legal challenges against the 2024 elections were rejected. Zuma's key pitch was that his party would continue working to advance the interests of black South Africans.
The final campaign rallies by the ANC, DA, MK party, and EFF have set the stage for the local government elections. The elections are seen as a crucial test for the country's major political parties, with many voters looking for change and improved service delivery. The outcome of the elections could have significant implications for South Africa's future, with the possibility of coalition governments and a shift in the country's political landscape.
Key points
- The ANC, DA, MK party, and EFF held their final campaign rallies ahead of the local government elections.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the ANC's record in government, highlighting its achievements and acknowledging its shortcomings.
- The DA's Geordin Hill-Lewis urged voters to unite behind the party to bring about political change, framing the election as a two-horse race between the ANC and DA.
