Party campaign weekend

By Mishkah Anthony
15 February 2008

This weekend seemed to have been chosen as the best time to campaign. This as political parties used the weekend to campaign for this year’s upcoming general elections.

President Kgalema Motlanthe has embarked on a two-day door-to-door campaign trail in the Free State where he heard first hand about the problems facing ordinary South Africans. Motlanthe, followed by a large group of ANC officials and councillors, spoke to residents in Thabong yesterday. Residents told the President that they are concerned about a shortage of housing and water supply in the area. Motlanthe is expected to continue his campaign trail in Kroonstad today.

While the Democratic Alliance says it will increase the number of police, provide better crime statistics, ensure quality education and provide prisoners with work-training should the party win the elections. Speaking at the party’s manifesto launch in Johannesburg yesterday, DA leader, Helen Zille said crime is out of control because most criminals know they can get away with it. Zille says the organisation's manifesto is unashamedly pro-poor. Zille also promised to bring back the Scorpions.

It seems the African Christian Democratic Party also found this weekend fitting to launch its election manifesto yesterday. The party said the manifesto aims to address critical challenges such as poverty, unemployment, education, housing, health, justice and crime.