By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile expressed confidence that the 2024 national and provincial elections will be a success given the participation of various political parties.
Mashatile delivered a public lecture on 30 years of democracy at the University of Johannesburg.
South Africa became a democratic country in 1994, this was when the country had its first democratically elected government after the end of the apartheid era.
Mashatile told the guests that the government has made strides in addressing load shedding, ensuring energy security, enhancing logistics systems, and improving ports and rail networks.
He expressed confidence in a successful election and urged different sectors like universities, political parties, labour unions, civil society, faith-based organisations, and student organisations to safeguard democracy for present and future generations.
“Given that many have registered political parties and aspire to serve in parliament and the legislatures, I believe many will agree that this election is arguably the most important.
“We are not surprised that there are so many political parties.
“The party that I have the honour to serve indeed fought for the idea that we have a flourishing democracy wherein everyone, without fear, should be allowed to participate in the elections in our country.
“I am confident that we will have a successful election and that the people of South Africa will continue to place their hopes and inspiration in the organisation and movement of their choice — the African National Congress (ANC).”
Opinion polls show that the ANC which has been rocked by several corruption scandals, could lose its absolute majority in parliament for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Mashatile stressed the need for greater involvement of young people and women in developmental projects, highlighting their importance in shaping the future of the nation.
“I would like to see more young people and women business-led being involved in these projects because young people are the future of our country and women carry the hardest burden of communities.”
In conclusion, Mashatile reiterated his commitment to building a South Africa that belongs to all its citizens, irrespective of race or background.
“I urge all of us to remain inspired by the words of Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu: “Tell my people that I love them and that they must continue to fight”.
“We must continue to carry these words as a nation beyond the 30 years of freedom and democracy, towards the 100 years of the Freedom Charter in 2055, wherein we would have achieved a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it, black and white.”
South Africa is to hold a general election on May 29 in what is expected to be the most competitive vote since the advent of democracy.