On Easter Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa took his election campaign to one of the largest churches in South Africa, St. Engenas ZCC in Moria, Limpopo.
Despite stating that he was attending in his personal capacity, the visit was clearly part of the ANC’s campaign ahead of the national and provincial elections on May 29.
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A Warm Welcome and Charm Offensive
President Ramaphosa has been actively engaging with the public, visiting churches, taxi ranks, and malls, shaking hands and connecting with voters.
This charm offensive is aimed at ensuring the ANC’s re-election in May. At St. Engenas ZCC, both President Ramaphosa and the EFF’s Julius Malema received a warm welcome and loud applause when introduced by Bishop Engenas Lekganyane.
Confidence and Commitment
Despite the ANC being perceived as under siege and on the verge of losing power, President Ramaphosa exuded great confidence during his address. He congratulated the church on its 100-year anniversary and expressed his gratitude for the warm reception.
He acknowledged Bishop Lekganyane’s sermon, which emphasized utilizing South Africa’s vast natural resources and minerals to uplift its people out of poverty. President Ramaphosa assured the congregation that he would work towards achieving this goal.
While the president claimed to be attending in his personal capacity, it is worth noting that the visit was arranged by Luthuli House, the ANC’s headquarters. President Ramaphosa appeared side-by-side with ANC’s Head of Elections, Mdumiseni Ntuli, during a media briefing after the church service.
Reflection and Unity
President Ramaphosa described his visit to St. Engenas ZCC as a humbling and reflective experience. He expressed his admiration for Bishop Lekganyane’s sermon and the church’s vision for moving the country forward. The president left the church uplifted and with high spirits, emphasizing the joy of joining hundreds of worshippers.
President Ramaphosa was accompanied by members of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), including some who hold positions in the cabinet. ANC leaders from Limpopo, such as Provincial Secretary Reuben Madadzhe, Florence Radzilani, and John Mpe, also joined him.
Julius Malema, accompanied by his wife and EFF Presidency Head MP Vuyani Pambo, shared a hug with President Ramaphosa on stage, symbolizing unity in front of thousands of St. Engenas ZCC members.
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An Overwhelming Victory and No Coalition Government
President Ramaphosa expressed his confidence in the ANC’s chances of an overwhelming victory in the upcoming elections. He stated that the party was not even considering the possibility of a coalition government, further highlighting his belief in the ANC’s ability to secure a majority.
As the election campaign continues, President Ramaphosa’s visit to St. Engenas ZCC showcased his commitment to engaging with voters and addressing their concerns. The ANC hopes that this charm offensive, along with the president’s confidence and commitment, will contribute to their re-election in May.
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined thousands of congregants who attended the annual Easter Conference at St. Engenas Zion Christian Church in Moria, Limpopo hosted by Bishop Dr Engenas Lekganyane
“I’m grateful for being reminded that my head is a computer that God has given to us”… pic.twitter.com/MglSm2B5kY
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) March 31, 2024
