Stronger democracy needed - Zuma
2011-05-15 18:20
Johannesburg - The ANC involved communities in the selection of its candidates because democracy needed to be strengthened, President Jacob Zuma said on Sunday.
"The accountability of our public representatives needs to be improved. The transparency of our processes needs to be enhanced," he told thousands on ANC supporters at the party's final election rally at the FNB stadium.
"As a result, the selection of ANC candidates has been greatly improved. The people have put forward candidates with integrity, who are capable and committed to building better communities."
Zuma acknowledged that there were problems in some areas and said these would be addressed.
"We have worked hard to address these problems, and to ensure that the people who serve in our local, district and metropolitan municipalities are truly those who have been chosen with the participation of the communities."
He reiterated that an ANC task team would investigate problems relating to fraudulent candidates after the election on Wednesday.
"We will remove people who found their way onto our lists through dubious means," he said.
Zuma highlighted the gains made by the ANC since 1994 and admitted that more needed to be done.
He said the ANC was the best placed party to rectify the inequalities which still plagued the country in terms of housing and poverty.
After his address, Zuma returned to the stage to sing his trademark song Mshini Wam.
ANCYL president Julius Malema danced next to Zuma.
Malema earlier dubbed Zuma the "undisputed president" of the ANC. This, after a negative turn in their relationship.
- SAPA
