School out as Mbeki woos vote
2004-03-02 14:03
Bloemfontein - Election fever was running high on Tuesday in U Section of Botshabelo, near Bloemfontein, where African National Congress president Thabo Mbeki, dressed in a yellow ANC golf shirt, canvassed residents for their votes in the April 14 general election.
To a backdrop of shacks and pumpkins, a relaxed and smiling Mbeki walked from house to house to meet residents, followed by a large crowd monitored by ANC marshals.
A heavy security contingent, including nattily dressed men with curly cords coming out of their ears, and a fleet of black Mercedes-Benzes hovered nearby and residents burst into applause when Mbeki emerged from the houses into the light Free State rain.
The streets were also flooded with school children, prompting Mbeki to quip: "There is no school today," as he waved at them.
That section of Botshabelo does not have its own school.
When he asked Amelia Khoabane of house 1324 who she would vote for, she replied it was a secret.
He was expected to visit other sections of the sprawling township later in the day.
- SAPA