ANC fordert Verhaftungen, nachdem zwei Wahlkampf-Freiwillige bei Schießereien getötet wurden

Cape Town’s future must belong to all its residents, according to a journalist who has extensively covered the city’s challenges over the past two years. The writer, Faiez Jacobs, has focused on issues such as the city’s budget, housing crisis, skewed priorities, unaffordable municipal bills, allegations of corruption, and the disparity between the city’s celebrated successes and the struggles of its citizens. With local government elections approaching, Jacobs reflects on the need for a city that works for everyone, where children can build their futures, the elderly can live with dignity, and working families can afford their municipal accounts. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the city’s wealth and opportunities more fairly. Jacobs acknowledges that the African National Congress (ANC) has lost its way in several respects and has openly criticized the party’s failures, including corruption, cartels, criminal networks, and the lack of renewal within the movement. He argues that the ANC’s issues should not overshadow the scrutiny of local governance in Cape Town, particularly regarding allegations involving the black books, JP Smith, the tender trail, and housing-related scandals. Jacobs insists that there should be no double standard in holding leaders accountable, regardless of their political affiliations. The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for a shooting that killed two party volunteers during a door-to-door campaign in Umgababa, south of Durban. Police have opened two counts of murder and three of attempted murder following the incident. According to police, two women and a man affiliated with a political party, along with two bodyguards, were campaigning when a white Isuzu bakkie approached them from behind. The occupants of the vehicle allegedly opened fire using rifles and pistols, resulting in the deaths of a man and a woman, while another woman sustained a leg injury as she fled. A third volunteer was critically injured in the attack. The ANC described the shooting as a “barbaric and cowardly attack” and condemned the killing of individuals engaged in political activities. The party emphasized that the attack was an assault on constitutional rights and called for law enforcement to deploy specialized resources to track down the perpetrators. The MK Party also called for a dedicated Political Killings Task Team to investigate the incident and ensure justice for the victims and their families. Two ANC members were shot dead and another person was wounded during a door-to-door campaign in Umgababa, south of Durban. The motive for the attack remains unknown. The incident adds to a series of political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, where 18 councillors have been assassinated since the 2021 local government elections. Recent attacks include the killing of three Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) councillor candidates in separate incidents. Loyiso Masuku, Johannesburg’s deputy mayor and MMC for finance, is advocating for a cultural shift in the city’s administration, emphasizing greater accountability among municipal officials and councillors. As a contender to lead the city, Masuku highlights the need for improved service delivery, stronger political oversight, and the use of technology. She acknowledges the ANC’s shortcomings in governance and stresses the importance of a full mandate to implement the party’s five-year plan without coalition constraints. The ANC faces challenges in securing an outright majority in the upcoming local government elections, with polls suggesting the Democratic Alliance (DA) could surpass the ANC. Masuku argues that the ANC needs a sole mandate to address Johannesburg’s financial and service delivery crises effectively. The party currently governs in a coalition with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Patriotic Alliance, and other smaller parties, facing internal friction and political instability. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula expressed relief after the Constitutional Court upheld the party’s appeal, allowing 181 of its candidates to return to the ballot. Mbalula acknowledged the emotional toll of the legal battle and emphasized the need to review the ANC’s relationship with the DA in the Government of National Unity (GNU). The DA responded by respecting the court’s decision but warned that the ruling does not alter the ANC’s declining electoral fortunes. The DA also cautioned against complacency regarding compliance with electoral deadlines and requirements.