Former president Thabo Mbeki arrived to screaming crowds at Jabulani Mall in Soweto on Thursday.
SCREAMING CROWDS ARRIVED TO WELCOME THABO MBEKI
People came out in their numbers to see and interact with Mbeki.
Lesego Makhubela, spokesperson for the African National Congress (ANC), stated that the party welcomes Mbeki’s decision to lead the campaign trail in Soweto.
“Mbeki joined scores of ANC volunteers in the historic township where he was received warmly by thousands of residents of Jabulani and surrounding townships.”
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Mbeki, elected unopposed as ANC president in 1997, served as president of South Africa from 1999 to 2008.
“During this period, our country cemented its place in the world as a giant in international relations and diplomacy. Rewriting the narrative of the place of developing countries in global politics.”
Makhubela stated that under Mbeki’s leadership, marked by a deep commitment to fiscal discipline and pan-Africanism, our country strengthened democratic institutions.
‘WE SHOULD INDEED RETURN THE ANC TO POWER’
According to a report by SABC, Mbeki told the people of South Africa should vote for the governing party on the 29th of May because it’s on a path of renewal.
“This booklet that I am carrying to say to the people of Soweto vote ANC. The response is very good, I’ve not been in Soweto for some time, but I saw the response of the people and we will come here again. We should indeed return the ANC to power,” says former President Thabo Mbeki.
Mbeki acknowledges that the nation is grappling with numerous problems. But asserts that efforts are underway to address them, notwithstanding certain internal issues within the party.
‘WE ARE MAKING A COMMITMENT TO ATTEND TO THE PROBLEMS WITHIN THE ANC’
“I know there are many problems in the country and problems within the ANC. And so when we say vote ANC, we are also making a commitment to the people that we will attend to the problems within the ANC itself. This will be done to make sure it is able to discharge its responsibilities to the population. My knowledge of the people of Soweto is that they will listen to that,” Mbeki said.
Makhubela said over the years, comrade Mbeki has remained deeply committed to strengthening the Congress movement. He did this by participating in critical dialogues aimed at ensuring that the ANC continues to build a better life for all.
“The ANC in Gauteng is deeply honoured that comrade Mbeki has elected to lend his wisdom and guidance to the movement at a time when it is needed.
“There can be no doubt that for the people of Gauteng, this only means the ANC is committed to forging unity. Strengthening dialogue and moving closer to communities in order to ensure that we continue to build a better life for all.”
Makhubela said.
