ANC press release on preparedness in the run-up to the Election Manifesto launch

7 January 2009

When African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) members Jeff Radebe and Fikile Mbalula, use the words "abuzz", "razzmatazz" and "explosion" to describe the launch of the organisation's election Manifesto, South Africans can brace themselves for one of the most colourful political events ever staged in the country by the ruling party since the advent of democracy 15 years ago.

The ANC's Election Manifesto - a comprehensive document that carries the organisation's priorities and influenced by several suggestions received from the public - will be unveiled during an historic launch to be addressed by ANC President Jacob Zuma at the ABSA Stadium in East London on Saturday, 10 January 2009.

As part of the broad consultative process of developing the ANC's 2009 Election Manifesto, the organisation last year invited members of the public to make suggestions on issues for inclusion in the document. The campaign "My ANC, My Vision, My Future" drew enormous response from South Africans who sent emails, SMSs and letters highlighting concerns and making suggestions on how these could be addressed. Thousands of contributions sent by post, e-mail and SMS, were sent to the ANC.

A series of events in the build-up to the launch, kicked off in the Eastern Cape this week.

• ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe will at midday tomorrow (8 January 2009) toast with a champagne and make a speech at the East London Town Hall to mark the 97th Birthday of the ANC.
• ANC President Jacob Zuma will spend Wednesday (8 January 2009) and Thursday (9 January 2009) visiting members of the royal family in the Amathole region. He will visit King Sandile of amaRharhabe at Mnqgesha Great Place in King William's Town on Wedney; go on a door-to-door campaign at Duncan Village in East London. On Thursday, Zuma will visit King Sigcawu of amaXhosa at Nqadu Great Place, Willowvale and address ANC volunteers and supporters at Butterworth High School.
• On Friday evening, Zuma will address a Manifesto pre-launch gala dinner at River Dale Convention Center in East London. About 50 diplomats representing foreign missions, have confirmed that they will attend the gathering. Business, labour, ANC Alliancartners, traditional leaders and other key stakeholders will attend the gathering where the ANC election song will be unveiled.

Addressing a media briefing at the ABSA Stadium in East London earlier today (7 January 2009), Radebe said of the Eastern Cape: "This is the heartland of the ANC, which has for the past 97 years been in the forefront of the struggle for liberation. We are here to debunk any myth that the ANC support base in this area has been eroded."

On the planned Saturday ANC rally to launch the Manifesto, Radebe said the ANC was impressed and encouraged by the overwhelming support it enjoyed in the province. "The rally on Saturday will be a bumper success. As members of the NEC (National Executive Committee) we're satisfied about the ground work done by the province, demonstrating that this remains the heartbeat of the ANC," said Radebe.

Added Radebe: "The highlight will be the launch of the Election Manifesto at the rally. It is all systems go. We're on track to winning the elections with an overwhelming victory."

Said Mbalula: "The ANC is rooted among the masses of our people here. The ANC is not a visitor in this province. Support of the ANC is unshakable. We've never seen a political party claiming a stronghold which has never been tested in elections." Mbalula also thanked volunteers and ANC members who he said had done "a good work" in preparing for the Manifesto launch.

Issued by African National Congress

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