Rain won’t stop ANC manifesto launch

Party president Cyril Ramaphosa will give keynote speech in his home province.

Multitudes are expected and there is a plan B in event of torrential downpour.

The ANC’s manifesto launch in Thohoyandou in Limpopo tomorrow will go ahead, come rain or shine. The party in the province said President Cyril Ramaphosa was expected to deliver the keynote address at the event.

There have been storms over the past few days in most parts of the province, including Polokwane, Tzaneen, Giyani, Makhado and Thohoyandou.

Several houses reportedly collapsed, while trees and electric poles were uprooted.

An important football game between Black Leopards and Bidvest Wits was abandoned after the pitch was turned into a dam.

The department of water and sanitation announced that most dams are full and the South African Weather Service has warned of more torrential rain in Limpopo and Gauteng this weekend.

But the ANC said the manifesto launch would go ahead as planned.

“We hope that the gods and the god of the ANC will raise their hands and stop the rain,” said ANC Limpopo provincial spokesperson Donald Selamolela yesterday.

“But it must be borne in mind that in Africa rain is a symbol of peace and success and so is Ramaphosa and the ANC,” he said.

“It’s no secret that Limpopo is the home of the ANC.

“Ramaphosa’s roots are here in Limpopo.

“We are expecting multitudes of people to come and grace the occasion and fill the stadium to its rafters,” he said.

“In case torrential rain continues to fall today and until the day of the event, we have a plan B which includes erecting more marquees.”

Several ANC pundits have raised concerns about security after two provincial leaders of the SA Municipal Workers’ Union from the Vhembe District Municipality were fatally shot a fortnight ago. Limpopo police will be on the alert during and after the event.

Police spokesperson in Limpopo Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said there would be a huge police contingent at the venue.

“In any major event, we make sure our team is on the alert for any crime-related eventuality. The ANC shindig is no exception. We will make sure anyone suspected of harbouring vicious intent at or around the venue is arrested.” –

Picture: Tracy Lee Stark SMILING IN THE RAIN. A woman walks during a shower in Soweto yesterday. Most parts of Johannesburg have had rain all week and more downpours are expected over the weekend.