Former ANC deputy president David Mabuza calls on Alex residents to back Panyaza Lesufi

POLITICS

Former ANC deputy president David "DD" Mabuza vows to support Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the “good” work Panyaza has done in the province.

Mabuza, who embarked on his second election campaign on Thursday, 9 May, in Alexandra, Johannesburg, encouraged the residents of Alexandra to vote for the party and that he was there to support Panyaza’s call.

While the township of Alexandra was faced with a myriad of problems, such as lack of housing, issues with sewers systems, potholes and the high rate of unemployment, Mabuza said he would ensure the ANC continued to work on the issues in Alexandra and his presence in this township showed he was establishing a long-lasting relationship.

He said:

“I am going to work with him and not be a bystander or an armchair critic, but I am going to involve myself. I want to be counted with those people that are making a difference.”

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In terms of the renewal of the ANC, Mabuza admitted the party had failed South Africans, but said the renewal of the ANC was a process which would proceed “up until the ANC was ready to serve its people”.

In its election manifesto review, the ANC announced that members with criminal records or facing party disciplinary action would not be eligible for nomination as candidates for Parliament and provincial legislatures.

The party also called for a post matric qualification as a requirement for anyone wishing to serve as an member of Parliament or provincial legislature.

Mabuza said the governing party would uproot all rogue elements within the ANC.

He said:

“We are going to renew ourselves. It’s a question of do or die for the ANC to renew itself. So, it is our challenge, and we are not going to fail to rise to the occasion.”

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The former deputy president has kept a low profile since he declined a nomination at the ANC December 2022 elective conference. 

According to Mabuza, during his “time off”, he had to attend to his health issues as he was not well.

Mabuza said he had a group of doctors looking after him, but also had to give time to his family.

“My children were missing me and couldn’t see me. So, I had to give them my time. But they know now they must also give me time to go and do work for the ANC. It was a time well spent and I really enjoyed that time,” Mabuza said.

Will we see the return of Mabuza to politics if the ANC wins these elections?

Mabuza added he could only make a return and be active in politics if the ANC decides. He said the party called him to assist in these general elections and if they wanted to deploy him anywhere else, he was available until he dies.

Meanwhile, during his walkabout, Mabuza gifted the elderly and Alexandra residents with ANC regalia such as T-shirts, doeks and green caps.

Community members expressed they were happy to see him as they only knew and saw him on TV.

Mina Mokoena (83) from Alexandra, said she was overwhelmed yet pleased to see the former deputy president.

Mokoena said she felt empowered and excited about the upcoming elections and could not wait to vote again, especially for her party.

“We know where we are now and where we are going. I will be voting for the ANC. I have voted for this party since the former president, Nelson Mandela. We need to show who we are and continue to vote for the ANC and pick it up,” she said.

However, a woman who only identified herself as Sharon said she would not vote because the ANC had done nothing for “its people” especially young people.