African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa has made a final appeal to voters to return the party to power.
Addressing a packed FNB Stadium, President Ramaphosa said the ruling party has a plan to grow the economy, create jobs, expand services and improve the lives of all South Africans.
The ruling party is the only party to have been in power since the dawn of democracy and is seeking to regain power.
The ANC faces one of its most difficult elections ever.
Nearly three decades into democracy, South Africa is a better place with a vibrant and resilient democracy. I thank all ANC supporters, staff and volunteers. #Shyankoba! ⚫🟢🟡#VoteANC2024 #Siyankobalally #Let's do more together pic.twitter.com/2ofmd3xiyS
— African National Congress (@MYANC) May 25, 2024
It was a final push by the ruling party, a show of strength that drew tens of thousands to the 94,000-seat stadium, presumably to remind everyone that it still had the support of the people.
After all, this is the most contested election since the dawn of democracy. The party faces perhaps its biggest challenge. We have never seen a former leader lead the party out of power.
Former president Jacob Zuma leads the rival MK party, which threatens the ANC's majority votes, and boasts about its track record, says it is unfazed and has plans to go further.
President Ramaphosa has detailed an economic plan to tackle unemployment and poverty.
He says the people will be at the heart of the new ANC government.
He also promised to roll out Gauteng's Nasispani scheme, spearheaded by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, which has created employment opportunities for thousands of young people, but has not been without criticism.
President Ramaphosa also spoke about the importance of universal health coverage after signing the National Health Insurance (NHI).
Former president Thabo Mbeki sent a message of support at an ANC rally. #Siyankobalally
VIVA ANC! ✊🏾⚫️🟢🟡
📍FNB Stadium🏟️#VoteANC2024#Let's do more together pic.twitter.com/fMIG5fyFCj
— Gauteng ANC #VoteANC (@GautengANC) May 25, 2024
He also put education at the heart of economic recovery.
Attention is also being paid to local governments, which are at the forefront of service delivery.
Most of the complaints stem from insufficient, slow or non-existent delivery of services by local authorities.
The ANC chairman also promised to press ahead with his plan to renew the ANC and said those who cannot stand it will leave the party. In the coming days, South Africans will head to the polls to decide who should govern them for the next five years.
A challenge that belongs to all South Africans.
ANC holds Siyanqhoba rally at FNB Stadium in Soweto