Zuma: ANC is only true hope for S. Africa

The ruling African National Congress "remains the only true hope for the majority of our people, particularly the poor and the working class", President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday after final results confirmed the ANC's victory in the 2014 elections.

In a speech to the nation, Zuma said the ANC will use its majority to implement policies and programs that further improve the quality of life for everyone, especially the poor.

"We will use this victory to continue delivering water, electricity, roads, schools, clinics, good schools and all amenities that enable our people to live in decent human settlements, in both urban and rural areas," Zuma said.

According to final results released by the Independent Electoral Commission, the ANC won 62.15 percent of the vote, far ahead of the biggest opposition Democratic Alliance, which received 22.23 percent.

"This election victory has reconfirmed just how deeply rooted the ANC is in the hearts and minds of the overwhelming majority of South Africans," Zuma said.

"We read this vote of confidence to be a strong sign of approval of the good work that we have done in the past 20 years in general and the last five years in particular, in building a better life for all," he added.

The new mandate, he said, is also a license to continue with the ANC's ambitious infrastructure program and ensure the provision of better roads, universities and colleges, hospitals, dams, railways and power stations that boost economic and social development.

Key and central to this infrastructure program is the development of skills and the economic empowerment of the youth, Zuma said.

"More importantly, this mandate gives us the green light to implement the National Development Plan and to promote inclusive economic growth and job creation."

There is a lot that the ANC has to do, and it's determined to do more in building the society as outlined in the NDP, Zuma said.

The ANC, humbled by this victory, will form a government that will serve all the people of the country, regardless of whom they voted for, he said.

South Africans voted on Wednesday to elect the new National Assembly and provincial legislatures. It was the most competitive election since the end of apartheid in 1994.

Zuma, also the ANC's president, has secured his second term.

(China Daily 05/12/2014 page11)