25 May 1999
The ANC in the North West condemn in the strongest possible terms the attendant violent clashes arising from the provocative behaviour of UDM supporters against ANC supporters. The UDM rally was held a few metres away from where the Secretary-General of the NUM comrade Gwede Mantashe was addressing workers on the ANC election campaign.
The ANC find the behaviour of the UDM supporters unacceptable especially after recent statements by their leaders that they are committed to a peaceful climate for elections. If these statements are to be taken serious, the ANC wish to see some disciplinary action against those responsible for the clashes.
The ANC will contribute to work for a peaceful resolution of the problems in the Rustenburg mining areas and would not seek to use the plight of workers for cheap political electioneering. We believe we are the only party with the interest of the workers at heart. In fact, it is now everyone's knowledge that no party other than the ANC has fought for the rights of workers in this country.