Johannesburg - The DA is the only party that could challenge the ANC in the Free State, opposition party leader Helen Zille said on Monday.
“The DA is the only party big enough to challenge Jacob Zuma’s ANC dominance in the Free State,” she said in a speech prepared for delivery.
“Give the DA a chance and see how well we will serve you.”
Zille was speaking at the Seeisoville Stadium in Kroonstad.
She said there were only two big players in the ring ahead of this year's general elections - the Democratic Alliance and the African National Congress.
“No other political party in South Africa has a chance of getting even 10 percent in this election. Only the DA can stop corruption and create jobs,” said Zille.
She said a vote for any other party would be a wasted vote as there was no other opposition party other than the DA that could form a provincial administration, or become the official opposition in any of the nine provinces.
She called on residents of the Free State to stand with her party on May 7 and help bring change.
“This province has suffered from corruption and maladministration. But, above all, this province has suffered from what its leaders failed to do to uphold the values of the constitution,” she said.
Zille accused the ANC provincial government of failing to deliver a better life for all.
“If we stand together, we will be the official opposition in the Free State on 8 May. And it is critical that we are as strong an official opposition as possible,” she said.
She promised to hold the provincial government to account, and present the party's alternative plan for government in the province if afforded an opportunity.
Zille said the plan would be based on real, sustainable job-creating economic growth.
Zille added that it was possible to stop President Jacob Zuma’s ANC from getting even more power to abuse. - Sapa