18 MAY 1999, JOHANNESBURG
It is exactly fourteen days before millions of South Africans exercise their right to vote in the second democratic elections of our country. The 2nd of June 1999 is the day when our people will have an opportunity to decide whether to accelerate change for a better life or revert back to the unjust past of apartheid.
Just five years ago, we ended a government that made the majority of South Africans, Foreigners in their own country. Since the first democratic elections in 1994, we have, together as a people, travelled a long road in building a democratic and a winning nation.
The ANC-led government, in partnership with all South Africans has registered significant achievements in housing our people, providing clean and safe water, offering quality education for our children, empowering and advancing millions of women, ensuring a safe and secure society, transforming the state into an efficient tool for delivery and most importantly, building a united and prosperous nation. The elections on Wednesday, the 2nd of June, are about defending, consolidating and advancing these achievements.
The African National Congress outlined a tangible plan for the consolidation of our democracy. We all know that the path to building a better life has not been an easy one. There is much that still remains to be done, particularly around issues of job creation and crime. But what the coming elections will demonstrate is that people are looking for workable solutions to these problems, not scare stories and empty promises.
As we enter into the last phase of this election campaign, we are confident the voter of Gauteng will support the ANC and ensure that together we accelerate the process of change. Through the work that we have done in the province, we are more than confident our mandate will be renewed.
The coming general elections will prove that the confidence of our people is high and they have trust in the leadership of the ANC and its vision for the future. The opposition parties have struggled to paint a picture of gloom and doom throughout their negative campaign. The citizen of Gauteng will, however, not be swayed by the opposition's political pessimism.
As we finally consolidate the strength of our election machinery, we have planned about two hundred rallies, public meeting and house meetings to further send our central message of hope to all the people of the province. These activities will serve as a build up to our final Siyanqoba rally, which will be held at FNB stadium on the 30th of May 1999. This is going to be the biggest rally in this whole campaign and will be addressed by ANC president Thabo Mbeki and President Nelson Mandela. There will also be various popular musicians and entertainers that will bless the final rally.
ADDENDUM
The ANC has worked very hard to convey our message of hope to each and every household and every single voter in Gauteng. Since the start of our campaign, we have held 80 listening forums in every major town, cities, rural areas and informal settlements, to hear the aspirations of the people for the next five years. We have produced no less than 500 000 posters, with 350 000 more of these to go on the poles during the next two weeks. About 12 million pamphlets and leaflets have been distributed to millions of prospective voters throughout the province and we still intend to add another five million as the voting day draws closer. 8 mobile bill boards are on the road doing rounds around the province and at least 15 000 volunteers are mobilising support for the ANC through door to door visits and direct contact with voters in all townships, informal settlements, rural and urban areas all over Gauteng. We intend to show our strong presence in every single voting station in the province, and in this regard we are training a total of 4, 000 party agents to represent the ANC on the day of voting to ensure free and fair elections.