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Thabo Mbeki’s return to the ANC campaign trail in Soweto proves a strategic move ahead of the 2024 elections.
(The Post News) – As the election season heats up, the African National Congress (ANC) is rolling out its strategic campaign plan, aiming to secure its position in the upcoming elections. The ANC’s campaign is marked by a series of tactical moves, including the mobilization of party veterans and the unveiling of a manifesto that promises to address the nation’s pressing issues.
Former President Thabo Mbeki, a revered figure in South African politics, has been enlisted to bolster the party’s campaign efforts in White City Jabavu, Soweto.
The ANC’s campaign strategy is built around six key priorities that resonate with the electorate’s concerns. These priorities, including job creation, economic transformation, and addressing the cost of living, form the core of the party’s manifesto unveiled at a grand event at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The manifesto underscores a commitment to inclusive growth and tackling the rising cost of living, issues that deeply resonate with many South Africans.
In a bid to inject new energy into its campaign, the ANC has turned to seasoned statesmen like former President Thabo Mbeki and former Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe to lead the charge in Gauteng’s Soweto. Their presence on the campaign trail is a strategic maneuver aimed at revitalising the party’s image and reclaiming lost ground. However, recent polls indicate a continued decline in popularity, with only 19% of respondents expressing intent to vote for the ANC.
Mbeki’s involvement signifies a calculated move by the ANC. His presence brings historical significance and gravitas to the party’s election bid, resonating with both ANC loyalists and undecided voters. Emphasising the need for unity within the ANC, said Mbeki, “Our country has come a long way, but our journey towards South Africa our people truly desire is far from over.”
Political analysts like Goodenough Mashego have questioned the effectiveness of the ANC’s current strategy, particularly its reliance on deploying ministers to lead the campaign. Mashego highlights the public’s frustration with unfulfilled promises, suggesting that this strategy may not yield the desired results.
The ANC’s plan for the 2024 elections weaves together its past triumphs and future goals, striking a delicate balance between honoring its legacy and meeting the evolving needs of a diverse electorate. As South Africa and the world look on, the ANC’s journey to the polls is not just about politics, it’s a mirror of our country’s ongoing pursuit of a stronger democracy.
With the ANC’s support dipping below 50%, according to Professor Andre Duvenage, and only 19% of respondents expressing willingness to vote for the party, as per a survey commissioned by IOL, the party faces significant challenges. Professor Bheki Mngomezulu of Nelson Mandela University emphasizes the need for the ANC to address issues like crime and corruption to regain the trust of the people.
The survey commissioned by IOL further paints a grim picture for the ANC, with only 19% of respondents indicating their willingness to vote for the ruling party in the upcoming general election on May 29, 2024.
Nelson Mandela University’s Professor Bheki Mngomezulu shared that some South Africans had lost confidence in the ruling party and President Ramaphosa due to widespread crime and corruption, amongst other things. “The ANC needs to address these issues head-on if they hope to regain the trust of the South African people,” Mngomezulu said.
Thabo Mbeki’s return to the ANC campaign trail in Soweto proves a strategic move ahead of the 2024 elections. As a revered figure in South African politics, Mbeki’s endorsement resonates with both ANC loyalists and undecided voters, potentially shaping the outcome of the polls.
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