Ramaphosa in KZN: ANC intensifies election campaign in crucial eThekwini battleground

President Cyril Ramaphosa is in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday as the party intensifies its campaign ahead of next week’s local government elections, with eThekwini emerging as a key battleground.

Ramaphosa is expected to canvass for votes in the metro on Wednesday and Thursday, as the ANC seeks to rebuild its support following its poor performance in the 2024 national and provincial elections.

The ANC’s support in KwaZulu-Natal fell to about 16% in the 2024 elections, while the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party secured about 45% of the provincial vote.

The president’s latest campaign visit comes after Ramaphosa previously went door-to-door in eThekwini, engaging residents about their living conditions and concerns about service delivery.

During that visit, he described the campaign as “very fruitful”, saying he was encouraged by the reception he received from residents.

He has also defended the ANC’s prospects in the province, insisting that the party is rebuilding following its 2024 electoral setback.

The ANC will never die here in KZN. KZN is the home of the African National Congress.

Ramaphosa said during an earlier visit to eThekwini.

However, the party faces competition from the MK Party, which is seeking to translate its strong support in the province into control of municipalities.

Ramaphosa’s campaign is intended to give residents an opportunity to raise their concerns and hear the ANC’s plans for improving service delivery.

The local government elections will take place on November 4.