Change of slogan, marks a change in focus?

MBOMBELA – For the past five years of ANC rule, they have been punting on the slogan: “working together, we can do more,” and now with the launch of the election manifesto on Saturday, the tune has changed to “together we move South Africa forward.”

This was put to the fore by President Jacob Zuma when he presented the 2014 election manifesto to thousands of ANC supporters who converged at the Mbombela Stadium to take a cue from him as their leader.

However, Zuma appealed to them thus: “Fellow South Africans, 20 years ago we began a new journey to eradicate the oppressive legacy of colonialism and apartheid. It has been 20 years of freedom and democracy in which we have made significant stes towards achieving the vision of the Freedom Charter.”

He said this has been a collective South African effort, personified in the greatness of the father of the nation, the late Dr Nelson Mandela, to whom he said the manifesto was dedicated to. “The lives of our people have vastly improved and South Africa is a much better place than it was in 1994..

“Over the last five years, the ANC government has worked together with all South Africans to do more to fight poverty and unemployment and to reduce inequality. Working together, we have defended and consolidated the social gains achieved since 1994 despite the negative global economic situation.

“More of our people have been lifted out of extreme poverty. We have created more jobs than before. We have expanded social grants, housing and basic services to our people. We have also further improved access to better education and health care,” Zuma pointed out.

On that note, he, however, said the journey continues as he further stated: “Our struggle has now reached the second phase in which we will implement radical socio-economic transformation to meaningfully address poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“More than ever before, we must work together to promote nation building, unity and social solidarity as we free the economy from the shackles of the past. We cannot rest until the economy is in the hands of the people who were historically excluded from participation.

“Far-reaching economic transformation is the central question this election must answer. In this manifesto the ANC provides clear, bold and decisive answers to this question. This manifesto is the result of a wide consultation process with our allies, involving communities and key sectors of society including workers, business, religious, youth and women’s organisations and several academics.

“We will continue to consult as we embark on its implementation. Together we move South Africa forward and vote ANC for a better life for all,” he concluded.