ELECTIONS UPDATE FROM THE ANC WCAPE PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS TEAM

ANC Elections Update Number 1 - Monday 19th April

It is hoped to produce one every week on a Monday morning. It contains information on key public events for the week and other information on the campaign. At times we will also hold press briefings to explain the content of the update and answer questions.

The elections media team is headed by Cameron Dugmore and we are operating from the ANC provincial offices in Athlone. Full time staffer in the office is ANC provincial media officer Gert Witbooi. Contact numbers are ;

021 696 8448 ( direct line )

021 696 7510 ( general line - ask for elections media )

021 696 8445 (elections fax )

082 894 7553 ( Cameron Dugmore's cell )

021 418 4616 code z 7131 ( Cameron Dugmore's pager )

1. Summary of past weekend events

The main focus of the ANC this weekend was to ensure that all our branch election teams (BET's) and provincial leaders were on the ground checking the rolls and seeing that the names of our supporters and members who applied to register, appear on the roll. This process will continue until 17h00 today (19/4/99).
Trevor Manuel was in Blue Downs yesterday where he attended a church service of the New Life Community Church in Malibu Village. He also met with over 25 Ministers of the New Apostolic Church at a house meeting where he spoke in support of the ANC candidate in the forthcoming by- election, Mrs McDonald.
Rapport published the Markdata opinion poll commissioned by Nasionale Pers. The survey confirmed the swing towards the ANC and the rapid decline in support of the NNP. ANC provincial leader Ebrahim Rasool welcomed the poll but warned ANC supporters not to be complacent, given that the result was based on those that said they would vote. ( Mr Rasool's full statement is on SAPA PR wire )
The ANC Southern Cape region has called for the replacement of the deputy LEO in George. They have alleged, after receiving information from IEC officials, that Mr Cooper instructed IEC officials to register farm workers from Oudtshoorn in George using false addresses. The address of Volkskas Bank was used. ( see attached correspondence ). Copies of the application forms with false addresses are available. Contact Ismail Lavangee, Regional Secretary on 082 829 3611.

2. Events for the week ahead

This will be a busy week culminating in a visit by Deputy President Thabo Mbeki on Friday 23rd April when he receives the freedom of Vredendal.

Monday 19th April

Two public meetings in support of ANC candidates in Blue Downs and Zoar ( Karoo town near Ladysmith ) by - elections.

1. Reggie Oliphant , Mario Masher and Randall van den Heever speak at Zoar Community Hall at 19h00. The ward is being contested by the ANC, NP and UDM.

2. Ebrahim Rasool and Patrick McKenzie speak at the Silversands Primary School, Malibu Village Blue Downs at 19h00. This ward is being contested by the ANC and the NNP.

Tuesday 20th April

The ANC's campaign against crime and terror continues with concrete steps to mobilize the community.

1. Ebrahim Rasool and Sean Byneveldt will attend a peace summit in Heideveldt from 09h00 to 12h00 at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Bailey Crescent. The ANC has played a key role in trying to build peace in the area between local gangs and the community.

2. Ebrahim Rasool will present police reservists recruited by the ANC to the SAPS at the Terrie Terblanche Hall in Pinelands at 18hh00. This is in line with our commitment to support operation Good Hope.

Wednesday 21st April

1. By- elections in Zoar and Blue Downs E 19 ( results expected late in evening).

2. Women' League Chairperson Nomatyala Hangana and Pierre Gerber to speak at People's forum at Elandsbaai School Hall at 19h00.

3. ANC speakers including Pregs Govender MP and Ntsiki Mgayiya MPL to attend COSATU women's focus in the City Hall. Time to be confirmed.

4. Lynn Brown MPL and PEC co-ordinator for the Overberg will co-ordinate an ANC welcome for Minister Jay Naidoo at Cape Agulhas, 15h00.

Thursday 22 April

1. Patrick McKenzie MP and Philip Dexter MP will speak at a people's forum at the Northpine Community Hall at 19h00.

2. Cameron Dugmore MPL , Chris April, Pierre Gerber and George Mayor Melford Nontshokova to speak at a housing forum in the Banqueting Hall, George at 19h00.

Friday 23rd April

1. Deputy President Thabo Mbeki will receive the Freedom of Vredendal. Programme begins at 10h30 and will include visit to RDP housing project and " meentgrond" , commonage project to benefit emerging coloured farmers. See ANC pamphlet in support of the event.

2. Deputy President Thabo Mbeki will also be guest of Honour at the Cape Empowerment Trust Limited Share Certificate Presentation Cocktail evening at the Medicina Conference Centre, Francie van Zijl Drive , Parow at 17h30.

Note: Events for Saturday and Sunday will be communicated on Friday 23rd April.

Monday 19th April 1999

Issued by ANC DIP Western Cape.

For further comment contact Cameron Dugmore on 082-8947553