Zuma blasts ‘violent thuggery’

Johannesburg – ANC President Jacob Zuma on Saturday asked members not to allow themselves to be provoked by opposition parties, but rather to take the high road in defending the ruling party. “The ANC is the leader of society and can’t behave the same way as its detractors,” Zuma told ANC supporters who had gathered at the FNB Stadium on Saturday for the party’s Gauteng manifesto launch.

“These are parties known for their violent behaviour and thuggery. Our members mustn’t stoop to that level.” He said South Africa was better off with the ANC in power. “Only the ANC has a proper vision for this country with realistic and achievable goals.”

This is why ANC members needed to “remain and refrain” from creating a culture of anarchy to show their unhappiness with any decision, or the lack of one taken by the government.

The ANC was a democratic movement which adhered to principles of democracy, he said. “Anarchy or ill-discipline have no place in democracy,” he said, asking members to exercise the highest levels of discipline.

Zuma also called on members to put the party before anything else, to make sure the party won the elections and ultimately stayed in power. The party’s electioneering machinery relied on this, he said.

“A vote for the ANC on August 3 is a vote for better life. “Do the right thing, put this country on the trajectory to prosperity. It’s the duty of all of us to ensure each and every supporter goes to vote. [A] vote means the power to run the country. Our task continues.” — AFP