Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu PF, has disclosed receiving an invitation from its ally, the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, to participate in the final leg of election campaigning ahead of the closely watched vote scheduled for May 29.
According to Obert Mpofu, the secretary-general of Zanu PF, the party has been approached by the ANC to join forces in their campaign efforts. Mpofu conveyed Zanu PF’s readiness to provide support if deemed necessary, as reported by the State-run newspaper, The Herald.
“While closely monitoring internal developments within the South African ruling party, we have been in communication with them. Should they require assistance, we are open to providing it,” Mpofu stated.
Highlighting the significance of the upcoming elections in South Africa, Mpofu expressed Zanu PF’s hopes for adherence to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) rules and protocols governing elections. He extended well wishes to the ANC for a successful electoral process.
Meanwhile, recent reports from IOL indicate that the ANC, along with its coalition partners, is intensifying its campaign efforts in the KwaZulu-Natal province, aiming to secure a majority vote in this vital economic region. The campaign is poised to push developmental achievements since the dawn of democracy in 1994 and to articulate the party’s stance on global issues, such as the Israel-Palestine conflict.
KwaZulu-Natal emerges as a fiercely contested battleground, with competing parties like the Democratic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, and the Economic Freedom Fighters, led by Julius Malema, vying for electoral gains. Notably, the influence of the Jacob Zuma-led MK party adds complexity to the political landscape. Former president Thabo Mbeki is anticipated to reinforce ANC’s campaign in the province, following his recent engagements in Soweto, where he rallied support for the party and emphasized its commitment to purging criminal elements from its ranks.
