“No Party Has Done More for South Africans Than the ANC” ANC President Ramaphosa Hit Out

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the governing party’s record, insisting that no political organisation in South Africa has done more for its people than the African National Congress (ANC).

Ramaphosa made the remarks while addressing supporters at the ANC’s Siyanqoba rally at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on Sunday, November 1, as political parties intensified their final campaigns ahead of the November 4 local government elections.

The President maintained that despite the ANC’s shortcomings, its contribution to South Africa’s development remained greater than that of other political parties.

“There is no other political party. However much they can decorate themselves about having done that and that. On balance, the ANC has done much, much more for our people than what we may have fallen short on. And it is this reflection that I say our people must have,” Ramaphosa said.

His comments come at a critical moment for the ANC, which is seeking to maintain its political influence amid growing public dissatisfaction over unemployment, poor municipal service delivery, infrastructure challenges and the rising cost of living.

During his address, Ramaphosa argued that the upcoming elections were fundamentally about the ability of municipalities to provide essential services and improve the living conditions of ordinary South Africans.

He challenged voters to consider practical issues affecting their communities, including access to clean water, electricity, street lighting and reliable refuse collection.

“This is an important election. It is an election about whether the tap works, whether the street light comes on, and whether the refuse is collected,” he said.

Ramaphosa acknowledged that some South Africans remained frustrated with the performance of local government, particularly communities experiencing persistent service delivery problems.

He said the ANC had listened to residents during its election campaign, including young graduates struggling to secure employment and households facing financial difficulties.

The ANC leader also highlighted what he described as the government’s achievements, pointing to improvements in electricity supply, investments in water infrastructure and efforts to strengthen economic growth.

He credited the ANC-led government and its collaboration with Eskom and other social partners for bringing an end to load shedding.

On employment, Ramaphosa pledged that the party would pursue one million work, training and enterprise opportunities over the next municipal term. These would include apprenticeships, learnerships and graduate internships in ANC-governed municipalities.

The President also criticised opposition-led municipalities, questioning whether their service delivery records benefited all residents equally.

He argued that voters should look beyond political claims and examine how municipalities serve communities, particularly those in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

The remarks form part of the ANC’s broader campaign to convince voters that the party remains capable of addressing South Africa’s economic and governance challenges.

With the November 4 elections approaching, Ramaphosa urged South Africans to carefully consider which political organisation they would entrust with managing their cities, towns and villages.

His defence of the ANC’s historical and governance record is likely to remain a central feature of the party’s campaign as it faces competition from opposition parties seeking to increase their representation in municipalities across the country.

Source: https://x.com/TheCitizen_News/status/2117143369667256803