Ramaphosa makes big promises during 2024 election campaign launch at Lindelani
Residents told the president they struggled with a lack of basic service delivery and that jobs were scarce, calling on him to address these issues.
President Cyril Ramaphosa received a warm welcome to KwaDukuza on Saturday, campaigning hard in the former Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) stronghold of Lindelani where stones were thrown at African National Congress (ANC) campaigners in 2019.
The ANC regained a majority vote in Lindelani during the municipal elections in November 2021.
Ramaphosa said the party was well-equipped to create jobs and end loadshedding.
He kicked off his election campaign with a visit to the grave of former ANC president-general Chief Albert Luthuli, accompanied by the chief’s daughter, Dr Albertina Luthuli.
Speaking at the Groutville memorial site, Ramaphosa said he would take on the family’s wish for a new investigation into Chief Luthuli’s death, who was reportedly run over by a train in 1967.
His daughter has for 56 years maintained her father died under suspicious circumstances.
“We are on hallowed ground. We are proud to be the descendants of great leaders,” Ramaphosa said at the ceremony.
A lunch with Mkhonto weSizwe military veterans followed the ceremony, whereafter the president undertook door-to-door visits in Lindelani township, which has a violent political history.
In 2019 ANC campaigners were set upon, allegedly by IFP supporters, while doing door-to-door visits. Three ANC officials were hospitalised and an IFP official was also injured.
Current Lindelani ANC ward councillor, Aubrey Baardman, a former IFP councillor, survived an attempted assassination in 2019 in which his children were also injured. Gunmen opened fire on the family’s car while they were driving from their Lindelani home.
In 2005, former IFP national council and provincial legislature member, Mandla Tshabalala, was shot dead in front of his children outside his home in the township.
Residents told the president they struggled with a lack of basic service delivery and that jobs were scarce, calling on him to address these issues.
Recent by-elections have seen the ANC lose several municipalities and wards to the IFP.
Last month the ANC had however regained control over Maphumulo municipality following a vote of no confidence in the IFP.
Ramaphosa completed his tour by meeting supporters at the KwaDukuza Town Hall and the Simbithi Country Club.
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