ANC LAUNCHES LOCAL ELECTIONS MANIFESTO

JOHANNESBURG Aug 24 Sapa

The African National Congress on Wednesday launched the African
National Congress's local government elections manifesto in
Alexandra, Sandton.

The launch was attended by President Nelson Mandela, Gauteng
premier Tokyo Sexwale, ANC stalwart Walter Sisulu and a host of
other senior ANC members.

"We are proud of our achievements," Mandela said in his
address, "but the ANC is honest enough to acknowledge that more
could have been done.

"The local government elections give us the chance to put this
right."

He urged people not to waste their votes on "Mickey Mouse
parties", saying ANC councillors would make sure resources of local
government were used to the benefit of all.

"The old local councils were divided along apartheid lines," he
said. "They only served the interests of a few. But our communities
fought the apartheid councils and in so doing laid the basis for
the coming elections. Now together we can break down the barriers
that have kept us apart so long."

ANC election co-ordinator Saki Macozoma, who chaired the
manifesto launch, said between 25 and 30 local authorities in
KwaZulu-Natal were ready to hold local government elections and
should not be denied the opportunity.

ANC deputy secretary-general Cheryl Carolus said financing was
in place to go ahead with the government's housing proposals. The
only obstacle was local government.

Decisions on where to build new houses and clinics could not be
taken until new councils were elected, she said.