South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged on Saturday to address critical issues such as job creation and state welfare as he campaigned ahead of elections next week.
Polls indicate that these elections could potentially weaken the African National Congress’ three-decade-long hold on power.
With the national and provincial elections scheduled for May 29, political parties are intensifying their campaigning efforts during the final weekend. Ramaphosa described these elections as among the most pivotal in the nation’s history.
Amidst corruption scandals, soaring unemployment rates, and economic stagnation, the ANC is facing a challenging electoral landscape. Projections suggest that the party may receive less than 50% of the vote.
Such an outcome would necessitate the ANC to form one or more coalition partnerships for the first time since Nelson Mandela led the party to victory at the end of apartheid.
“We gather here carrying with us the hopes and aspirations of millions of our people … to declare that together, we will do more and we will do better,” Ramaphosa told supporters dressed in the ANC’s colours of yellow, green and black who gathered at a soccer stadium in the country’s most populous township, Soweto.
In remarks aired on national television, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the African National Congress’ commitment to addressing key issues facing South Africa.
He outlined plans to prioritize job creation, alleviate the burden of high living costs, sustain current social welfare programs, and gradually introduce a basic income support grant for the unemployed.
Meshack Jantjie, a 31-year-old unemployed individual, expressed his intention to vote for the ANC, citing confidence in Ramaphosa’s strategies for job creation—a matter he deemed urgent.
