The Congress of the People (Cope) will win the Eastern Cape province in the April 22 election, party leader Mvume Dandala said in East London on Thursday.
Dandala, who was speaking to journalists at the party’s headquarters, promised to root out corruption and poor service delivery when the party won power.
”We are convinced of the growth of Cope in the Eastern Cape and that come the 22nd, we will be given a mandate to govern the province.”
Dandala said it was unfair to blame the province’s problems on his party.
”One cannot underplay that significant numbers of our party are from the ANC [African National Congress]. What South Africans need to bear in mind is that we are working as a collective. Together we are creating something new.”
He said Cope would work on improving the province’s economy, by re-establishing irrigation and dam projects.
He also promised to improve the economy around the province.
”Don’t take it as a given that the industrial sectors must remain in Port Elizabeth and East London. Our plan is to modernise the economy of the whole province.”
Another senior Cope member, Professor Wiseman Nkuhlu also addressing journalists, defended Cope for not running an effective campaign.
”We don’t believe that you win the hearts and minds of people through huge rallies. We believe you do that by going door to door,” said Nkhulu.
Cabinet ‘satisfied’
Meanwhile Cabinet on Thursday expressed its satisfaction at the manner in which electioneering for April 22 is progressing and said preparations for the inauguration of the next President are at an advanced stage.
Briefing the media on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, government spokesperson Themba Maseko said the inauguration would take place on Saturday, May 9 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Heads of state and government had been invited to join the nation in witnessing and celebrating the inauguration of the fourth democratically elected President of the Republic, he said.
Members of the public were also invited to attend the ceremony at the Union Building lawns.
The theme for the event was ”Together, celebrating a vibrant democracy and building a better life for all”.
”The planning for the transition is proceeding accordingly with all ministerial ‘end of term’ reports due by 24 April 2009,” Maseko said.
These reports were aimed at facilitating a smooth transition to the next administration.
Government was satisfied with the implementation of the programme of action and electoral mandate during its term of office.
”The lives of ordinary people have indeed improved.”
Cabinet was pleased to note that campaigning for the general elections had proceeded very well with only a few isolated reports of violence.
”Cabinet calls on all South Africans to come out in their millions to vote in the general elections to strengthen our democracy.
”Government calls on everyone not to allow any attempt to prevent free, fair and peaceful elections in every corner of our country. No amount of intimidation and or violence will be tolerated,” he said.
Security personnel would be ready to deal with anyone attempting to prevent South Africans from exercising their hard earned right to vote.
Government also welcomed the Southern African Development Community Observer Mission which had been launched in South Africa, Maseko said. — Sapa