By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC said most South Africans have shown confidence in its concerted efforts to get the country back on a path to prosperity for all. The ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula said the people are supporting the efforts to rid the ANC of corrupt elements as part of its renewal process.

Mabalula who was addressing the media ahead of the much anticipated announcement of General Elections outcomes later today said, the ANC commends the people of South Africa for once again demonstrating the strength and vibrancy of the democracy.

He further said while they still await the formal announcement of results by the IEC, it is clear that the ANC has won the most votes and remains the most popular party in South Africa. Mabalula added that the ANC has also achieved a decisive majority in six provinces. 

“The millions of South Africans who voted for the ANC have seen the effects of the work we have done to end load-shedding, to revive our infrastructure programme, to provide social protection to the poor and unemployed, to provide work opportunities and work experience to young people, and to hold those responsible for corruption to account.

“The ANC emerges from this election with a firm mandate to continue this work to rebuild the economy, create

jobs, end corruption, tackle the high cost of living and continue the transformation of the economy and society,” he said.

Mbalula said while the ANC has won the most votes in this election, the results show a significant decline in the ANC support from previous elections. He said while there are several factors that have contributed to the decline in support, the results send a clear message to the ANC.

“We wish to assure the people of South Africa that we have heard them. We have heard their concerns, their frustrations and their dissatisfaction. Over the last six years, the ANC has been engaged in a process of renewal and revitalisation. 

“This process is not yet complete and the election results show that we need to intensify and accelerate the fundamental renewal of our movement. We want to assure the people of South Africa that the ANC will not turn its back on renewal,” said Mbalula. 

He said they will not compromise on the renewal and rebuilding of the movement. Mbalula said the results also show people’s concerns about shortcomings in governance and delivery. 

“We enter a new term with both a clear mandate and a firm commitment to improve the maintenance of infrastructure and the provision of services in communities throughout the country.

“The ANC is committed to the formation of a government that reflects the will of the people, that is stable and that

is able to govern effectively. The ANC is committed to pursue a path of fundamental social and economic change, for which it has received a firm mandate,” he said.

Mbalula said over the next few days, the ANC will be having discussions within the organisation and with other parties and stakeholders on how best to establish national and provincial governments that reflect the will of the people, and that are able to take the country forward. He said the voters of South Africa have shown that they expect the leaders of this country to work together in the interests of all.

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