POLOKWANE, Limpopo — The ANC Limpopo is set to officially launch its localized elections manifesto at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, building directly on the momentum of the national manifesto launch held last Sunday. With the November elections rapidly approaching, the provincial branch is shifting its focus to community-level solutions, aiming to address pressing service delivery challenges head-on.
By mid-morning, the stadium was already nearing capacity, with organizers expecting an attendance of more than 25,000 supporters and party members. The event also serves as a formal introduction of the party’s councilor and mayoral candidates to the public. While the newer section of the Peter Mokaba Stadium is currently undergoing revamping, including re-seeding the pitch after the winter season, the grandstand and surrounding areas are filled with attendees, with some seated on the pitch to accommodate the massive turnout.
Ernest Rachoene, spokesperson for the African National Congress in the province, confirmed that preparations are fully on track.
“All systems are go,” Rachoene stated, noting the strong turnout. “Today is about the localization of our manifesto. We want to talk straight to our local municipalities about the challenges we find ourselves in as an organization.”
Rachoene highlighted that the provincial manifesto will be addressed by a former president and deputy president of the country, underscoring the national significance of the provincial rollout. The core of the localized message revolves around Limpopo’s most persistent challenges: water infrastructure, road maintenance, and unemployment.
Addressing these concerns directly, Rachoene outlined tangible strides made by the provincial government and the ANC-led administration. In the water sector, multiple bulk water services projects are already underway, with contractors actively working on the ground in Marapong, across the Mopani district, and in all other districts.
On the infrastructure front, the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure has upgraded more than 43 roads from gravel to tar over the past two years, while simultaneously maintaining over 68 roads across the province. In Polokwane, the province’s only secondary city, contractors are actively working to ensure all municipal roads remain drivable. Additionally, Rachoene noted that the provincial government is deliberately tackling sewage spillage issues across all municipalities.
While acknowledging the presence of formidable political opponents entrenching themselves in local communities, Rachoene emphasized that Limpopo remains a steadfast stronghold for the organization. The launch event will formally showcase the mayoral candidates who were selected two weeks prior, allowing the people of Polokwane to put faces to the leadership that will drive the localized manifesto forward.
As the event unfolds, the focus remains squarely on demonstrating actionable progress in service delivery, ensuring that the national party’s vision is directly translated into measurable improvements for Limpopo’s residents ahead of the November elections.
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