No fear of losing the 3 major metros – Zuma

MOGOMOTSI MAGOME|Published
702 31.07.2016 ANCKZN bikers entertain the supporters who came in large numbers at the Mosses Mabhida stadium during the Siyangoba Rally ahead of the 3 August municipal election. Picture: Mofokeng Mofokeng
epa05449797 Supporters arrive to listen to the leader of South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, President Jacob Zuma, who is addressing the party's final pre election rally in Johannesburg, South Africa, 31 July 2016. South Africa holds local government elections on 03 August and the ruling ANC is expected to lose ground to the DA and EFF; the countries main opposition parties. EPA/CORNELL TUKIRI
epa05449825 Leader of South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, President Jacob Zuma (C) arrives to address the party's final pre-election rally in Johannesburg, South Africa, 31 July 2016. South Africa holds local government elections on 03 August and the ruling ANC is expected to lose ground to the DA and EFF; the countries main opposition parties. EPA/CORNELL TUKIRI

ANC PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma said the ANC has “no fear” in the coming battle to retain the three major metros which the opposition is planning to snatch away.

Zuma spurred ANC supporters to spread the party’s message to vote for the party on Wednesday as the ANC was the only party capable of changing people’s lives.

Zuma addressed a packed Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg yesterday, where thousands came out to express their unwavering support for the ANC.

The party used the Johannesburg Stadium as an overflow area and it was also filled to capacity while other supporters had to sit outside.

The number of supporters who made it to the Siyanqoba rally was a victory for the ANC, as it showed the kind of support the party still has despite the growth of opposition parties and disgruntlement with the party over issues like poor service delivery.

Zuma said life was different under the ANC government even though there was still much to be done in many areas.

He also expressed the ANC’s intention to win back Cape Town from the DA.

“The ANC must win back Cape Town, the poor must be treated with respect and dignity.”

Zuma was joined by leaders of the ANC’s alliance partners, who expressed support for the ruling party and vowed to ensure a victory on Wednesday.

ANC stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela also made an appearance at the stadium, much to the delight of the crowd.

Zuma described how the metros that were run by the ANC were managing to attract investment and create employment, pledging that the ANC-led metros would create even more jobs after the elections and deliver better services.

“Nelson Mandela Bay is our home. People want electricity and we have provided over 86 percent of electricity so far.”

Zuma steered clear of focusing too much on opposition parties in his last address, a departure from the kind of speeches he had delivered in this campaign during which he had attacked the opposition DA as a “white party” formed out of the apartheid National Party.

Many in the crowd said they were ready to deliver a victory for the ANC on Wednesday.