The leader of South Africa’s largest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), has urged voters to support his party in Wednesday’s election to prevent a “doomsday” scenario of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) forming a coalition with radical factions.
John Steenhuisen, DA leader, emphasized the historical significance of this election, likening it to the most pivotal moment for South Africa since the democratic transition in 1994. Speaking at a rally in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, Steenhuisen encouraged voters to use their ballots to end the ANC’s dominance and initiate a new chapter for the nation.
“Unlike other parties, the DA provides tangible evidence of our ongoing achievements, not just future promises,” he declared to the supporters gathered at a cricket stadium.
As political parties ramp up their final campaign efforts ahead of the national and provincial elections on May 29, polls indicate the ANC might lose its parliamentary majority for the first time since Nelson Mandela’s historic 1994 victory.
The DA, which governs the Western Cape province, highlighted the risks of an ANC coalition with the ultra-left Economic Freedom Fighters and the newly formed uMkhonto WeSizwe, associated with former president Jacob Zuma. Steenhuisen warned that such an alliance would lead to the implementation of the National Health Insurance Bill, property expropriation without compensation, rampant corruption, and economic collapse.
“It will be Doomsday for South Africa,” he cautioned.
