Central SA
Ramaphosa urges peaceful elections─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 09:52 Sat, 30 Mar 2024
“All the parties participating in the elections should do so peacefully, with tolerance to have space in the sun to campaign anywhere here in the country and to solidify support to the people of South Africa.”
As South Africa prepares for the upcoming elections, President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a heartfelt plea for peace and unity, emphasising the importance of stability in the country during this critical period of democratic expression.
Free State Provincial leadership alongside president Cyril Ramaphosa and Eagle christian church pastor in Bloemfontein, photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi
While addressing the media at Eagle Christian Church in Bloemfontein on Easter Friday (30/3), the president underscored the significance of peaceful elections in upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard. He highlighted the need for tolerance, respect and constructive engagement among political parties and their supporters.
President Cyril Ramaphosa singing and dancing along with congregation of Eagle christian church in Managaung, photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi.
“I am here to solicit prayer from church on three issues. The first issue is that they should continue praying for the government to serve the people of South Africa, to ensure we improve the lives of people. The second is to pray for a peaceful election process, that all the parties participating in the elections should do so peacefully, with tolerance to have space in the sun to campaign anywhere in the country and to solidify their support to the people of South Africa,” president Ramaphosa said.
He further pleaded with the church to pray for the IEC, as it has a huge task ahead. Ramaphosa also wished former president Jacob Zuma well after he was involved in an accident in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday (28/3). It has been reported that a drunk driver collided with his official armoured state vehicle.
“I did hear about the unfortunate accident in KZN involving security detail of Jacob Zuma. I was informed that there was no harm and that he is safe. The matter is now being investigated,” the president commented.
The leading member and head of elections for the uMkhonto weSizwe political party, Musa Mkhize, has alleged that Zuma was targeted, and that the accident was deliberate. Zuma has endorsed the party, but the IEC has barred him from standing as a candidate.
The ANC recently lost its bid to have the uMkhonto weSizwe party removed from the ballot, but Secretary-General of the ANC, Fikile Mbalula, has vowed that the ANC will fight to keep the uMkhonto weSizwe emblem.
