Political parties are gearing up for a hectic weekend as they get ready for their last election campaigns around the nation with just three days till the general elections on May 29.
This weekend is quite important because it comes before the much awaited 2024 National Elections, which are set for Wednesday of next week.
Today at the FNB Stadium in Nasrec, the African National Congress—which is presently in power under the leadership of Cyril Ramaphosa—will have their Siyanqoba Rally.
After their spectacular manifesto launch in March at KwaZulu-Natal’s Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, this rally is anticipated to be one of their biggest campaign events.
In the meantime, this morning in Polokwane, Limpopo, the Economic Freedom Fighters will hold its Tshela Thupa protest at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The chosen candidate for Limpopo Premier is anticipated to be announced by party leader Julius Malema, who will also likely identify Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi as the Gauteng Premier candidate.
Furthermore, today at Hammarsdale Stadium outside of Durban, the recently established Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), led by former President Jacob Zuma, will have their Mayibuye Rally.
After the elections, this event is anticipated to unveil Zuma’s replacement as head of the parliament.
At the Richards Bay Sports Complex, north of KwaZulu-Natal, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), led by Velenkosini Hlabisa, will hold their Siyanqoba Rally. Since Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, their founder and previous leader, passed away in 2023, this election would be the first without him.
Last but not least, tomorrow in Benoni, Johannesburg, the Democratic Alliance (DA) will hold their We Can Rescue SA Rally.
To improve its prospects of winning the next elections, the DA claims that it wants to work with minor parties and win over more support.
All things considered, a frenzy of campaign activities will take place this weekend as political parties try to solidify their seats in the 2024 elections by winning over voters.
ActionSA will be hosting an online address to their supporters on Sunday at 5 p.m., in contrast to other parties.
Over 28 million voters are expected to cast ballots on May 29, and 1.6 million people have applied for special elections that will take place on Monday and Tuesday of next week, according to the IEC.
Eleven independent candidates and 70 political parties will compete in the elections, while 52 parties will be listed on the national vote paper. The IEC will have seven days following the elections to make the complete results public.