SOUTH AFRICA — ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly dismissed allegations of deliberate sabotage regarding the ongoing Gauteng water crisis, urging the public to remain objective as the nation prepares for Wednesday’s elections. Speaking during a campaign stop in the scorching heat of Mabopane, Tshwane, the leader addressed the severe water shortages while expressing strong confidence in his party’s electoral prospects.
Gauteng is currently grappling with significant water shortages as soaring temperatures drive up demand, placing immense pressure on the province’s supply systems. These recurring shortages have sparked fears and allegations that foul play or sabotage is being used to undermine the government’s work just days before voters head to the polls.
However, Ramaphosa cautioned against jumping to conclusions, stating he is prepared to give even his detractors the benefit of the doubt. When asked about the possibility of sabotage, he noted that while it is tempting to make that assumption, he prefers to look at all factors objectively.
“I do hope and trust that people do act with integrity, even within the government system,” Ramaphosa stated. He acknowledged that while there are individuals who may wish to act negatively to disrupt the public’s intention to vote, he maintains an “eternal hope in the goodness of people.” He expressed his belief that the current water disruptions are likely just “aberrations” or incidents that occurred by accident, rather than a coordinated political tactic.
Shifting focus to the electoral landscape, the ANC President is projecting immense confidence as the party enters the final hours of its campaign. He emphasized that all party members and supporters are making a massive final push to mobilize as many voters as possible.
Reflecting on the groundwork laid by the party, Ramaphosa expressed deep gratitude for the enormous work done by comrades, volunteers, and leaders at the national, provincial, regional, and branch levels. “We’ve campaigned hard, we’ve worked very hard, and I am really beaming with confidence that the ANC is going to have a really, really good outcome to these elections,” he said.
The President also outlined his rigorous final campaign itinerary. Following his stop in Tshwane, he is scheduled to travel to Polokwane in Limpopo for a massive Siyanqoba Rally, which will unite all regions of the province.
After the Limpopo rally, Ramaphosa plans to take a brief moment to relax and attend a local derby match for about an hour and a half before heading to the Eastern Cape. The ANC will officially close its election campaign in the Eastern Cape—a traditional stronghold for the party—with a national rally at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium. It is there that Ramaphosa will deliver his final marching orders to the party’s volunteers, capping off what he described as the biggest campaign push the party has ever seen.
