Cape Town – Former president Thabo Mbeki was unable to attend the ANC’s Siyanqoba rally due to being hospitalised with flu.
The rally marked the culmination of the ANC’s nearly three-month election campaign and took place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
In a video message, Mbeki explained his absence and expressed support for the event, recalling the significance of the 1994 elections.
“Unfortunately due to bout of flu, I’m unable to be with you in person this morning. This is why you have not seen me on the campaign trail for a week. This is because I have been hospitalised.
“Fortunately the doctors and the nurses did a very good job, I am now successful recuperating at home
Former #ANC President #ThaboMbeki says he wouldn’t be able to attend the Siyanqoba rally because he was in hospital over the past week. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/dLIKcMwVAL
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) May 25, 2024
“As we stand of the eve of another pivotal election, I am reminded of the historic elections of 1994 when our nation took its first steps toward democracy,” Mbeki said.
He emphasised the importance of the upcoming general election for the ANC.
“We have done our best to explain to the country what happen some years ago. When we voted in 2009, 2014 and 2019, we did not know the old apartheid enemy has inserted…[disbelief] into our movement and the state.
Message from the former President Thabo Mbeki.#SiyanqobaRally #LetsDoMoreTogether #VOTEANC2024 pic.twitter.com/zaRZumrKZf
— ANC Eastern Cape (@ANCECape) May 25, 2024
“Now we know and therefore must voted correctly to defend the freedom for which many heroes and heroines sacrificed their lives,” said Mbeki.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the ANC supporters, expressing gratitude for their backing and outlining the ANC’s priorities for the next five years, including job creation, service delivery, and defending democratic gains.
As we continue our journey, as we prepare to carry out the people’s mandate, the ANC will focus on six priorities to take our country forward.
Over the next 5 years, working with all South Africans, we will implement a jobs plan to put more South Africans to work. We will build… pic.twitter.com/t6b13CJXl4
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) May 25, 2024
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu