Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa of the African National Congress (ANC) has expressed confidence in securing over 50% of the vote in the upcoming national and provincial elections, with ambitions even for the Western Cape.
Addressing supporters in Cape Town, Ramaphosa emphasised the party’s determination to achieve a decisive victory, countering opposition claims and asserting potential ANC control in the Western Cape.
“There are those who go around, various political parties who go around and are our opponents. They run around the country like little brakkies, running around and saying all manner of things saying nweh, nweh, nweh (sic),” Ramaphosa said on Wednesday at Athlone stadium.
He added: “I want to give them a very clear message: the workers of this country, the people of this country, are not going to allow the ANC to go below 50%. They are working for an outright majority of the ANC.
[WATCH President Cyril Ramaphosa expresses the ANC’s goal of achieving a decisive victory in the election, noting that the people are determined to ensure the party does not fall below the 50% mark.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/BmQcRDq2PC
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 1, 2024
According to Times Live, Ramaphosa highlighted workers’ achievements since 1994 under ANC governance, pledging continued support for workers’ rights and the fight against poverty and inequality.
“We are going to continue supporting them (workers). We will continue the fight for the poor, for those who do not have land, for those who do not have a job and for those who do not even have houses,” the report quoted him as saying.
While acknowledging progress in attaining freedoms outlined in the Freedom Charter and the Constitution, he emphasised the ongoing struggle to address historical injustices and provide basic necessities like housing, electricity, and healthcare.
Ramaphosa reaffirmed the ANC’s commitment to recognising unions, collective bargaining, the right to strike, and compensation for workplace injuries.
He celebrated workers’ victories in securing these rights, including the establishment of a minimum wage and the recognition of May Day as a workers’ holiday.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@MbalulaFikile
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
