Johnathan Paoli
Former President Thabo Mbeki has come out in active support for the African National Congress (ANC) ahead of the National and Provincial Elections and said that he remained confident that the ruling party would solve the challenges the people are facing.
Mbeki together with ANC Gauteng Provincial Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi on Thursday visited Zone 9 PCO, Ipelegeng, located at the corner of Phera and Khumalo Streets in White City Jabavu, followed by a walkabout and a meet and greet session at Ward 34, Jabulani Mall in Soweto.
In a brief statement at the Jabulani Mall, Mbeki said he only knew one government, that of the ANC, and that he was in Soweto today to call upon the residents to support the ruling party in the upcoming elections.
He told the crowd that he was happy and appreciated the reception he received from residents and party supporters.
Mbeki said that he was aware of community members having complaints against the ANC, but they will fix the problems and challenges.
Speaking to the media, the former President reiterated his concerns about the party’s governance but reaffirmed his unwavering support and said he would conduct more campaigns for the party ahead of the elections.
Mbeki highlighted the importance for all party members, including himself, to take responsibility and acknowledge the years of state capture instead of shifting blame onto specific individuals.
“As a member of the ANC I must take responsibility for what it does, I am part of it. It is our responsibility as senior leadership to make sure we do the right things in terms of what the demands of the people are. The ANC itself must take care of itself to make sure it is what the people expect it to be,” Mbeki said.
Mbeki said that there were certain set procedures within the constitutions of the ANC on how a member gets expelled, and called on the party to adhere to its own constitutional and procedural obligations in determining the status of the membership of former president Jacob Zuma.
The campaign forms part of the governing party intensifying its drive to woo voters in the region with Johannesburg chairperson Dada Morero saying the ruling party hoped to garner about 3 million votes in the area.
The spokesperson said that Mbeki’s participation in the ruling party’s campaign dispelled claims that the former President would not endorse the ANC.
In the 34 days remaining before the 29th May polls, more ANC stalwarts, former leaders, and veterans would intensify their involvement in the election campaign to secure a decisive victory.
“They stand as vanguards in our endeavor to win the people’s confidence, galvanise support for the ANC, and invest tangibly in improving the lives of our citizens. This approach underscores our people-driven and centred strategy, aiming to fulfil the ANC’s historical mission to achieve a Better Life for All,” Bhengu-Motsiri said.
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