ANC Eastern Cape chairman Phumulo Masualle ANC Eastern Cape chairman Phumulo Masualle
ANC Eastern Cape chairman Phumulo Masualle on Sunday assured ANC supporters and followers that the party would retain its rule over the hotly contested Nelson Mandela Bay after Wednesday’s municipal elections.
“Nelson Mandela Bay is the home of the ANC and will never be ruled by an opposition. This metro is going nowhere and will be ruled by the ANC come Wednesday elections,” said the Eastern Cape premier.
Masualle was speaking to thousands of ANC supporters at Buffalo City Stadium in East London for the party’s provincial Siyanqoba rally.
The rally was also attended by other ANC provincial and regional leaders.
The Eastern Cape had 45 municipalities including the Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City metros, of which 44 were ruled by the ANC during the 2011 to 2016 term.
The DA ruled only Willowmore’s Baviaans Local Municipality during the term ending after Wednesday’s elections.
Following the merger of some municipalities, the province now has 39 municipalities.
“All 39 municipalities must be in control of the ANC because we are the only party that cares for the people.
"The people who left the ANC in Nelson Mandela Bay to join the DA are now coming back in their numbers, claiming that racism was rife in DA ranks. That is why we are certain of victory in Nelson Mandela Bay,” said Masualle.
He sent a stern warning to ANC councillors that they would lose their positions if they failed to deliver on the promises made during the election campaign.
Masualle said that during campaigning, some people in the province had complained that they didn't know who their councillors were.
“Some even told us our own councillors were not holding meetings with the people. This must come to an end, and if an ANC councillor does that, we will be left with no option but to recall him or her,” said Masualle.
He said ANC councillors must be in constant communication with the people.