SHARPEVILLE.- The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) is gunning for power in Emfuleni and has promised to surprise its political rivals in the upcoming local government elections.

The party brought its campaign to the streets of Sharpeville on October 9 as supporters filled Seeiso Street singing, chanting, and waving PAC banners and flags.

Party president Mzwanele Nyhontso led the march alongside secretary-general Apa Pooe and other senior members.

Speaking to Ster during the event, Nyhontso declared that the PAC is now stronger.

“This PAC you see today is a changed PAC. This is a strong PAC, united and a PAC that is participating in governance,” he said.

Choosing Sharpeville as the starting point was a deliberate decision.

Nyhontso said that the residents of the historic township understand the party’s contribution to the struggle for freedom, especially its role in the events of March 21, 1960.  He argued that the party’s historic legacy goes far beyond annual Human Rights Day commemorations. However, the PAC is not relying solely on its past achievements.

“We’ve been participating in all these elections, but this time, we are contesting power. We are going to surprise a lot of people, the media included,” he added

During his speech, the PAC president strongly criticised the current municipal leadership, accusing them of failing residents on service delivery, allowing lawlessness, and permitting corruption.

“That is why voters must go out there and replace all those in the municipality and give PAC a chance to govern and deliver services to them,” Nyhontso said.