By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the South Africans one last time before the 2024 elections praising his government’s successes over the past five years.
Ramaphosa said that he was addressing the nation to speak on the country’s readiness to hold elections – a responsibility deemed as part of the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) mandate.
Ramaphosa said that at 9am on Monday, voting stations and homes across the country, South Africans who have registered for special votes will begin to cast their ballots.
“Thousands of South Africans living abroad have already voted,” Ramaphosa announced, highlighting the logistical readiness of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
This election marks the seventh democratic vote since the end of apartheid, a milestone that Ramaphosa emphasised as a testament to the enduring principles enshrined in the Freedom Charter.
“We will once again assert the fundamental principle, articulated in the Freedom Charter, that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people,” he said.
The President praised the IEC for its meticulous preparations and the integrity of the electoral process, citing successful voter registration weekends, the organisation of overseas voting, and the diligent application of electoral laws.
“We commend the Independent Electoral Commission for the impressive work they have undertaken in preparation for these elections,” he said.
Ramaphosa also addressed concerns over recent reports of electoral obstruction, including unlawful entries at IEC storage sites in KwaZulu-Natal. He called for restraint and adherence to democratic principles.
“We once again call upon all parties, candidates, supporters, and every South African to refrain from any action that could interfere with the due electoral process, “he urged.
Looking at some of the latest election indicators, investors polled by Krutham expect the ANC to win about 45.5% of the vote, while earlier surveys by other companies predicted a share of as little as 37%.
The Democratic Alliance, the biggest opposition party, was expected to garner between 20.9% and 22.3% support, the EFF between 9.7% and 10.7% and MKP 6.4%.
The IFP and DA leaders, which are members of an 11-party opposition bloc, have indicated that they will consider working with the ANC, although that isn’t their preferred option.
Ramaphosa highlighted the significance of the forthcoming electoral process and reflected on the achievements and challenges of his administration.
Reflecting on his administration’s tenure, Ramaphosa recounted the nation’s recovery from a decade marked by corruption and state capture.
Today, we have put that era behind us. We have placed South Africa on a new trajectory of recovery and laid a strong foundation for future growth,” he said.
The President highlighted key reforms in various sectors, efforts to combat crime and corruption, and the nation’s unified response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He noted the significant strides made in rebuilding the economy, tackling youth unemployment, and addressing gender-based violence.
“This is a campaign speech. Abuse of power by Cyril Ramaphosa,” leader of Build One South Africa, Mmusi Maimane said in X.
“Cyril Ramaphosa commandeered the national television channels tonight to give a last-ditch campaign speech, disguised as a presidential “address to the nation.” The disguise isn’t fooling anyone, “said Geoffrey York, the Africa correspondent for The Globe and Mail.
Meanwhile the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) briefed the country on Sunday on the state of readiness by security agencies to secure the 2024 elections.
Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said that the various law enforcement agencies were in charge and in control as the country heads to the polls this week.
To all voters, go out there having full confidence that the NATJOINTS’ plan is on track to protect your rights and our democracy. We are in charge, we are in control. As law enforcement agencies, we will ensure your safety throughout this period,” Mosikili said.
She acknowledged the major task at hand of ensuring a safe election period.
“The task at hand is immense but through past experiences of ensuring safe and secure elections, we are confident that we are ready for this next phase. “
“We are grateful that thus far our communities and South Africans from all walks of life have continued to display responsible conduct and behaviour.”
A reminder to all political parties that political campaigning ends at midnight on 28 May 2024, should it continue beyond this period, this would be a transgression and contravention of the Electoral Act,” Mosikili said.