The ANC held a provincial election strategy workshop recently where it outlined its election campaign phases for the local government elections next year.
The ANC held a provincial election strategy workshop recently where it outlined its election campaign phases for the local government elections next year.
ANC Regional Secretary Nosisa Siwendu explains that they are currently undertaking the first phase of the campaign which involves setting up the election structures, which she described as “oiling the election machinery”.
As part of the preparatory stage is the establishment of election teams that have been set up from national to local level.
These will operate on the ground up and are substructures of the executive structure. During this phase the party will assess the strengths and weaknesses of past campaigns and prepare for ward based elections and door-todoor campaigning.
Siwendu said that the campaigning for elections will only be in full swing once the Municipal Demarcation Board has completed the ward delimitation process.
Relaying some weaknesses of previous campaigns, Siwendu said “People may not readily see the delivery that government has brought” and the party has the responsibility to explain aspects of service delivery to people.
She further commented about the reality of election campaign promises that are made which cannot all be delivered in the short term.
“Some would be short term, others medium and long term.” She said this must be explained to the electorate consistently and constantly. “Often we wait untilpeople protest and complain about those needs that may not have been delivered as promised.
When people are not aware of what the party is doing, they have reason to be dissatisfied, but once they are given explanation on processes in the delivery of services, they understand,” she said.
Siwendu then relayed some strengths of previous campaigns which has seen ANC as being the voice of the people.
“The people have confidence in the African National Congress – however we should not take that for granted. We equally need to be frank on areas we have not done well in before people complain about certain things, so that we are proactive.”
The final phase includes the Siyanqoba (we are winning) rally which is the last mobilisation effort and final call for individuals to vote for the ANC, taking place just before the elections next year.
