GIANT LEAP
Cyril: It defiles our democracy
President Jacob Zuma, Limpopo premier Stan Mathabatha and gospel singer Solly Moholo dance at Ga-Seleka Sports Ground, Limpopo, during the ANC’s election campaign
ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa slammed the killings of candidates of the ruling party, saying it was undermining the country’s hard-earned freedom.
This as the killing of ANC candidates and members continued, mostly in KwaZulu-Natal, ahead of next week’s municipal elections.
Ramaphosa said the trend of killings had to be investigated thoroughly as it allowed thugs to decide who should emerge as candidates, regardless of the people’s wishes.
“It defiles our democratic intent as a nation. It actually rubbishes what we are all about.
“Our ethos is about democracy and giving our people a choice, so we cannot allow a situation where murderers are given a right to choose who should be elected or represent our people,” he said.
Ramaphosa was speaking on the campaign trail in Tembisa in Ekurhuleni yesterday.
Ramaphosa labelled Phomolong extension, where he campaigned yesterday, as the testimony of what the ANC has done for those who were marginalised under apartheid.
“It’s a clear demonstration of the ANC government at work where we have replaced an informal settlement with new houses.
“We have built a new community where services have been clearly and well-delivered.”
Tembisa resident Sibongiseni Mani said the area has improved over the years as it had efficient access to basic services.
“It’s jobs that are the biggest problem here, especially among young people and that should be the focus now,” Mani said.
On Friday, African Union Commission chairwoman Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who is likely to be Ramaphosa’s contender for the ANC presidency next year, visited Katlehong in Ekurhuleni.
While Dlamini-Zuma did not say anything about succession, Gauteng ANC Youth League chairman Matome Chiloane said DlaminiZuma would be the next president.
He said: “You must vote for the ANC of Mandela, the ANC of Zuma, which is going to be the ANC of Mama Dlamini-Zuma.”