The African National Congress leadership in the Western Cape said on Wednesday it is aiming for a 51% majority in the forthcoming election, irrespective of a coalition agreement between itself and the New National Party.
Said ANC provincial secretary Mcebisi Skwatsha: ”All parties contest elections to win. The target and objectives are to win a simple majority … but this does not mean simply dumping the NNP.”
His thoughts were echoed by the ANC’s provincial chairperson, Ebrahim Rasool, who said his party will be aiming for 51% of the votes in this year’s general elections and has no ”election pact” with the NNP.
The two were speaking at a media briefing to outline the programme for the provincial launch of the ANC’s election manifesto at the Guguletu stadium on Sunday.
Sunday’s varied programme includes sports and cultural activities, with the confirmed speakers the ANC’s secretary general, Kgalema Motlanthe, and Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel.
At Wednesday’s briefing, Ebrahim highlighted a ”triumvirate of issues” the ANC regards as major challenges in the region. These are the creation of more work, fighting poverty and combating crime.
”We have the national manifesto and plans and will meet these challenges,” he said.
Asked about racism in the province, Rasool said there has been a change in the atmosphere of the province, and while he did not confirm a ”fully” non-racial society, there are encouraging signs of goodwill between whites, blacks and coloureds.
”We have to overcome African marginalisation and coloured insecurities,” he said.
Rasool said the ANC will leave no area uncontested, even the white communities, which he felt is in need of a new dispensation and new politics.
”What we are picking up especially in white communities is that some are bold enough to say they will vote for the ANC, [while] some are saying they will give this election a skip… [but they are] certainly finished with the divisive politics of the past,” he said.
Turning to the perception of disillusioned coloured voters, Rasool said the ANC has done its research and is confident it has made significant breakthroughs to garner the necessary support.
Asked about the premiership of the region, Skwatsha said that this will be decided by President Thabo Mbeki.
”The issue of the premiership is not everything. At present we have a simple majority in the legislature but don’t have the premiership [which is retained by NNP leader Marthinus van Schalkwyk]. The issue will have to be discussed,” he said.
Skwatsha and Rasool agreed that contrary to popular perceptions, there is not heightened voter apathy in the areas where they have canvassed, particularly among the youth.
Asked about this year’s election strategy, Skwatsha said this year more focus will be on door-to-door campaigning and meeting voters face-to-face, as opposed to mass rallies and public meetings.
On the province’s election budget, Rasool said the ANC will have enough money to do this type of campaigning.
”Rumours of bankruptcy are eminently exaggerated,” he said, while remaining tight-lipped on what the province’s budget is. — Sapa