Ramaphosa vows to secure “decisive victory” in upcoming national elections

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his determination to secure a “decisive victory” in the upcoming national elections, which are anticipated to be the most fiercely contested in the country’s democratic history.

Seeking a second term as president, Ramaphosa emphasized the African National Congress’s (ANC) commitment to overcoming challenges and winning the trust of the electorate.

Speaking at the ANC’s 112th birthday celebration in Mpumalanga, a province in eastern South Africa, President Ramaphosa addressed concerns about the party’s standing and potential electoral outcomes.

Analysts suggest that the ANC faces the risk of losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since Nelson Mandela’s historic victory in 1994.

“When they look at us and say the ANC is finished, when they look at us and say we are going to get less than 50%, that is said by people who don’t know us, who don’t know the ANC,” affirmed President Ramaphosa.

Acknowledging the challenges faced during his term, including economic struggles exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and issues with state-owned utility Eskom leading to power interruptions, President Ramaphosa assured voters that the ANC would address these concerns in its upcoming elections manifesto.

“Yes, our people have been suffering with spillage of sewerage in the streets and in their houses, sometimes they have not had the water they deserve,” stated President Ramaphosa.

He outlined the ANC‘s commitment to tackling critical issues such as crime, corruption, and electricity shortages, acknowledging past government failings in service delivery.

The president’s focus on securing a decisive victory is aligned with the ANC’s goal of overcoming skepticism and solidifying its position as the leading political force in the nation.

Ramaphosa announced that the ANC would officially launch its elections manifesto next month, outlining the party’s goals and objectives for the next five years.

The elections are scheduled to take place between May and August this year.