Opposition accuses Zuma’s ANC of excess campaign expenditure

Supporters of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party turned out en masse on Sunday for the party’s final rally in Polokwane before the competitive municipal poll.

The massive attendance gave the EFF officials hope about the party’s ability to challenge the ruling ANC party, saying the EFF’s growth in three years shows its ability to beat the century old ANC.

Leader of the EFF, Julius Malema said the party’s decision to use huge sums in three months campaigning for votes instead of providing free education to South Africans does not reflect the party’s preached ideals.

Party leaders boosted that “not a single drop of blood was spilled” when the EFF selected its councillor candidates, stressing that they will never kill for power.

They told you they don’t have money for free education but the ANC spent more than one billion rands in three months campaigning for the votes. “Imagine if they had taken that 1 billion and given it to students……

“We are saying today that all of you who are listening from home, that Nelson Mandela (Bay Municipality) and PE (Port Elizabeth), the jobs are coming. A better life is coming. Not a better life for the few, but a better life for all South Africans, not the ANC members only,” Malema said.

Malema, known within party circles as “commander-in-chief,” talked about his vision of providing free water and electricity, as well as better housing conditions for struggling South Africans.

President Jacob Zuma cited anti-apartheid history and past accomplishments as strong points as the ANC wrapped up its campaigns on Sunday.

“Compatriots, August 3, is a big day for advancing people’s power. Millions of our people must vote ANC on the day, and then able their movements to continue improving the lives of our people,” President Zuma said.

Zuma’s second term power ends in 2019 and he is not eligible to run for presidency again.