'Why we will vote for the ANC'

28 March 2009

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) today (28 March 2009) threw its weight behind the African National Congress (ANC) to ensure a decisive victory in the 22 April 2009 polls.

The well-attended NUMSA rally in Thembisa's Mehlareng Stadium was called by the Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) affiliate to publicly pledge support for the ANC in the elections. NUMSA members dressed in red T-shirts with the face of ANC President Jacob Zuma were addressed by ANC Deputy Secretary General Thandi Modise and COSATU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi who assured them that despite the global economic crisis, the ANC-led Government and Alliance Partners would work in collaboration to avert any job losses.

In attendance at the rally, NUMSA members made it clear why they would vote for the ANC in the elections. "Vote ANC for decent jobs, better education, rural development, improved hospitals and clinics, reduction in crime and corruption," was a message inscribed on back of all T-shirts.

Asked why they would vote for the ANC, many simply said: "The is no alternative."

Said Ngadlangadla Mofokeng: "I just love the ANC. It is the peoples' organisation. As workers, we have been informed by our leaders that the economy is taking a strain globally. We would like the labour federation to work very closely with the ANC and business to ensure that the matter of job losses is sensitively handled."

"The ANC is the only organisation that has the peoples' interests at heart," said Thembi Nkosi.

For Thabo Tlholonyane, a vote for the ANC was informed by its legacy and role in the Alliance.

Frans Mahlobogoane summed it up: "The ANC is my home. It is the only political party that has earned my trust. I put my X in the ballot paper on 22 April next to the ANC."

Issued by:
African National Congress

Enquiries:
Brian Sokutu 071 671 6919