By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
African National Congress (ANC) president Cyril Ramaphosa received a warm reception from ANC supporters in uMsunduzi, Ward 23 and believes this is a clear indication of an outright electoral victory for the party in the province.
Ramaphosa addressed the community of uMsunduzi Ward 23 in Moses Mabhida Region, KwaZula-Natal.
He said that he is certain that come the 29th of this month, the people of KwaZulu-Natal will vote for his party.
“Our support is enormous in KwaZulu-Natal and we are not concerned about our electoral returns being as what the “doomsayers” are saying. Our people in their hearts of hearts, they know that they support the African National Congress and all we are doing now is to make sure that many of our people will come out to vote. Once ANC supporters come out in their millions, we absolutely certain of a clear victory.”
Ramaphosa also said the donations received by the ANC enable it to campaign for the elections across the country.
The ANC has declared close to R17 million to the IEC that was donated to it between January and March 2024.
Ramaphosa added that there is nothing untoward with political party donations as the law allows it.
“The law allows any political party to be able to receive donations from whomsoever and it is really in the end the choice of those who would want to support political parties where they would want to put their money. So, we have always relied on real vast amount of people and organisations to support our work and as it is now that’s precisely what is happening.”
Meanwhile Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to vote in the National and Provincial elections on the 29th of May.
He has reminded the more than 27 million registered voters about the importance of casting their ballot, saying many people struggled and sacrificed for the right to vote and many lost their lives during the course of freedom.
Some of the over 76 000 South Africans living abroad have already started voting. Special votes will take place on the 27th and 28th of May.
More than 1.6 million voters have been approved for special votes. Ramaphosa further urged various stakeholders and political parties to ensure the country has credible elections.
He says the right to vote is the cornerstone of South Africa’s democracy enshrined in the Constitution.
“The right to vote has been the cornerstone of our democratic order and is enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution. As you cast your ballot, firstly through a special vote on the 27th and 28th of May, and many of us on the 29th of May, you will be demonstrating your faith in our democratic order. By placing your crosses on the ballot papers, you will be executing a responsibility that history has placed on your shoulders. most importantly, you will be deciding for yourself the direction that our country should take and determining the path that we should follow to get there. By voting, you are taking responsibility for your future and the future of your community. your vote is important. your vote counts.”