With 5.7 million votes at stake in KwaZulu-Natal, the race for control of the province is fierce ahead of the general election. The four contesting parties believe they have selected candidates with the necessary qualifications to lead the state. They are the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and Action SA.
South Africa is celebrating 30 years since its first democratic elections. The country is preparing for its seventh general election. As social and political dynamics appear to be changing, political parties participating in this election recognize that the stakes could not be higher.
This is especially true in the three states that are considered to be election battlegrounds.
This includes KwaZulu-Natal, the second most populous province in the country after Gauteng. The state's leading political parties are confident they have fielded the best candidate to lead the state if they win.
The ruling ANC, facing its toughest election yet, is banking on its track record in government.
“We are moving towards the fifth industrial revolution, which means the cost of living is getting higher and higher, and SA has great mineral resources, so we are creating more job opportunities and providing more services. You need to step up your strategy.'' Let's tap on them. Let us develop policies to ensure that the agenda for change is discovered and that the majority of people have future employment,” said ANC provincial leader Siboniso Duma.
2024 elections | ANC campaign in KZN, hopes for victory:
The DA, the country's second-largest political party, has confidence in Chris Pappas, the current mayor of Umgeni municipality. The party made history in the 2021 local government elections, winning its first municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. Since then, Pappas has successfully turned around the municipality, reducing his debt to zero in less than a year.
Pappas is described as a principled and dynamic leader who understands the state's needs.
“The number one thing in this state that we have to focus on and solve is unemployment. We have to get people to work and get the economy going. Dignity for those who lay down bread will only be achieved if we repair basic infrastructure, repair our towns and cities, and ensure that when we turn on the lights, there is electricity; It's just about whether health care works and makes people better. And it's about making sure our education system supports young people and prepares them for the modern economy,” Pappas says. .
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Also attacking the province is the official opposition party, the IFP. Provincial chairperson Thami Ntuli has been selected as the party's candidate for prime minister. He believes that his experience and his dedication are consistent with the party's values.
“The economic issue is a priority because it creates job opportunities, it actually lowers the crime statistics, it brings stability that allows us to attract investors to the state. But the education issue is It's the future of any country, and that's why, as mayor, I have the responsibility to develop education,” Ntuli explains.
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ActionSA is contesting a general election for the first time and is aiming for victory in KwaZulu-Natal. The party has confidence in former prosecutor Zwekule Mnkwango. The party says Mnkwango's extensive experience in government will help the party expand its support base.
“We are the only ones who have said that if we come to power in the state we will form a force that will involve Border Control, Home Affairs, SAPS and local government. So basically we want to give the economy back to the local people of KZN,” says Mnkwango.
Election 2024 | ActionSA confident of victory in KZN:
These four leaders have spent months working with people from all walks of life to persuade them not only to show up on election day, but to vote in support of their party. It is now up to voters to decide who they think is fit to lead KwaZulu-Natal.
