ANC launches election manifesto

MAKHADO – The ANC launched its manifesto at Tshikombani Stadium near Makhado on Sunday and dedicated it to the legacy of Nelson Mandela.

ANC chairperson, Baleka Mbete said they had taken a resolution that government should buy 75% of products from local producers.

Mbete said they were going to fund cooperatives so that local producers could produce more products. She said it was bad for people to say nothing good had happened during Jacob Zuma’s presidency. When Zuma became president, he found people dying of HIV/Aids in large numbers and he reduced the rate of infection, she said.

“We are still going to have funds for the national health insurance fund to enable people to get health services closer to their homes. Civil servants who steal government money or properties should be fired,” she said.

“In rural development, we are going to increase investment in agriculture, irrigation and small farmers. We regret the closing of agricultural colleges. We will revisit and strengthen them. We will remain true to our values: humanity, honesty, hard work and mutual respect.”

South African Communist Party Limpopo secretary, Gilbert Kganyago said voters shoudn’t be confused by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members and Agang SA members under Mamphela Ramphela.

“They are operating like Numsa leader, Irvin Jim. Jim should sit down with the ANC leadership and present his problems, rather than confusing the voters,” Kganyago said.

Cosatu provincial secretary, Dan Sebabi said some of the issues raised by the workers were never attended to, but they supported the manifesto. He said people needed clean water and job creation.

“The willing buyer and willing seller didn’t work in South Africa and should be replaced by other strategies. If one steals money and purchases the land, government should take that land back without compensation.”