The U Mkhonto WeSizwe (MK) party says it has no doubt it will win a two-thirds majority in the national and provincial elections scheduled for Wednesday, May 29.
The party based its campaign base in Hammarsdale, west of Durban, an African National Congress (ANC) stronghold that was the scene of political violence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including deadly clashes between the ANC and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
With the country's seventh general election just days away, supporters of Hammarsdale's MK party turned out in large numbers for the rally.
Supporters say they expect the party to address basic needs and land issues if it takes power.
“MK is the only party that can save South Africa from the pressures it is facing. Currently, our land is owned by people who do not belong to this country and we have no land. We will vote for MK so that the democracy in this country will be what we want, something that will favour all of us and not just one group.”
“We want jobs, we stay at home, our children are educated but still unemployed, we want a better life,” says the MK supporter.
Youths at the rally said they wanted problems of unemployment and service delivery to be addressed.
“My vote will change the situation where you cannot be employed at 35 because you need experience. If we are looking for a job, they want 10 years of experience. Right now we are unemployed but I want to change that with my vote. MK will bring about change because we will develop and roads will be built,” said another MK supporter.
MK leaders say the Constitutional Court's decision to ban former president Jacob Zuma from holding public office will not weaken party morale or policies.
MK senior party leader Visvin Reddy said: “President Jacob Zuma is the face and leader of Umkhonto weSizwe. He is the force behind this party. He runs this political party and he runs this movement. So a seized court decision will not bother us. We are aiming for a two-thirds majority and we will get that on Wednesday.”
The MK party is expected to conclude its election rallies in Mpumalanga on Sunday.
2024 Election | KZN MK Party holds final rally in Hammarsdale: Visvin Reddy