NELSON MANDELA BAY, April 15 (ANA) – The African National Congress (ANC) hopes to boost its Eastern Cape support base in the 2016 local government elections, secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said on Friday.
Senior ANC officials have been canvassing for support in the Eastern Cape province, ahead of the party’s local government elections manifesto launch scheduled for Saturday in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“Since the beginning of the week, supporters, members and leaders of the ANC have been involved in an intensive mobilisation campaign, talking to our people and encouraging them to be part of the 100 000 people-strong contingent expected at the stadium on Saturday,” Mantashe told reporters at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“In our interaction with people, they continue to demonstrate their utmost confidence in the ANC, while acknowledging weakness and challenges in some areas. If we continue at the pace we have started, I’m sure we will gain some few wards that we didn’t control after the 2011 elections.”
He said the ANC was confident of a renewed mandate from the people of Eastern Cape during the tightly-contested August 3 local government elections.
Mantashe said the 46,000-seater Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and the overflow areas will be overflowing on Saturday.
Mantashe said that people wearing T-shirts that were offensive or insulting would not be allowed into the stadium.
“The Nelson Mandela metro region alone has more than 40,000 people confirmed to attend the manifesto rally with the balance expected from neighbouring regions in the province. People are enthusiastic, they are coming to the manifesto launch,” said Mantashe.
“More than 1 000 buses and 600 taxis will ferry supporters from across the province. Other provinces have committed to send buses here.”
Mantashe said there will be strict access control measures around the stadium “to ensure minimal disruption to residents and businesses around the area”.
He said “many of South Africa’s most popular artists” have confirmed their attendance including many performers chosen to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Eastern Cape.
“The principal programme starts at 10am with interfaith prayers followed by messages of support from our allies – the SA Communist Party, Cosatu and Sanco. The president of the ANC, Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma is expected to speak at 11,” said Mantashe.
– African News Agency (ANA)
