Former president Nelson Mandela on Sunday endorsed the African National Congress' election campaign, the party said.Mandela arrived at a rally in Idutywa, Eastern Cape with party president Jacob Zuma. He was accompanied by his daughter Makaziwe and grandson Mandla.
African National Congress spokeswoman Lindiwe Zulu said Mandla spoke on behalf of the Mandela family and said that he and his grandfather were "there to confirm their ANC membership and support for the party".
"He [Mandla] said they were here [in Idutywa] to dispel any notion by anybody, anywhere who thinks that anybody within the Mandela family, particularly Nelson, were not supporting the ANC."
According to Zulu, Mandla told the crowd that Mandela has always fought for the struggle of South Africa within the ANC, and would continue to do so.
"He said they would continue to support the ANC towards winning the upcoming elections."
Mandela's appearance was the first at a political event in some years since he retired from active politics.
Speaking at the rally, Zuma described Mandela as "a legend" and "a living ANC ancestor".
He reflected on an earlier meeting he had with Mandela before the rally.
"When we met earlier, Madiba said to me he wished to be present in just one ANC rally to greet the people and show everyone that he is still with us," said Zuma.
"He [Mandela] encouraged us to campaign in these elections in a dignified manner and not talk about other people except the ANC and its policies. They (opposition parties) have nothing else to talk about other than the ANC."
Zuma devoted most of his speech to pay tribute to Mandela.
"Mandela is here today to say he will 'die in the ANC'. He was the number 10th president, Zizi (Thabo Mbeki) number 11th and I am number 12th. We are blessed that he became South Africa's first democratically elected president of South Africa."
"When we see Mandela, we see our father, a brave warrior. When talking about Mandela, you are talking about the history of the ANC."
Zuma said Mandela was the true embodiment of the organisation who led the ANC Youth League, Defiance Campaign, and the "Volunteer-in-Chief and Commander-in-chief".
"He is a devoted member of the ANC until the end. He has taught us that when there are challenges or differences in opinion within the organisation, don't run away but stay inside to resolve them."
Zuma said the ANC was committed to ensuring a better quality of life for all South Africans.
"You have the power, so use it. You have the power to vote in leaders to govern and the power to recall them when they fail you. When you cast your vote in elections, you demonstrate your power. If a councillor does not deliver, pass a vote of no confidence," Zuma said.
Source : Sapa /tk/vm
Date : 15 Feb 2009 18:33
