South African President Cyril Ramaphosa received a warm welcome at the African National Congress (ANC) party's May Day rally in Cape Town, vowing that the party remains committed to improving the lives of workers and ensuring freedom in a united nation.

Cape Town

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rallied support at the African National Congress's (ANC) May Day event in Cape Town, with a message emphasizing the party's dedication to worker rights and national unity. Addressing attendees ahead of the forthcoming general election set to take place, Ramaphosa reaffirmed the ANC's commitment to the principles laid out in the Freedom Charter over the past 30 years, crediting the unity and determination of South African workers for the progress made.

Despite facing challenges such as economic stagnation and a series of corruption scandals that have dented the party’s image, Ramaphosa called for a decisive ANC victory. The President acknowledged the potential need for coalition partnerships should the ANC secure less than 50% of the vote, hinting at possible collaborations with its closest rivals, including the Democratic Alliance and the EFF.

In addition to domestic issues, Ramaphosa also highlighted South Africa's stance on international concerns, specifically its support for the Palestinians amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict. He detailed South Africa's efforts, including bringing a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel, accusing it of genocide during the Gaza war. The ICJ responded by mandating Israel to avoid actions that could be construed under the Genocide Convention. Critics, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog, have vehemently opposed these allegations, with Israel maintaining its commitment to minimizing civilian casualties in Gaza.



South Africa's Ramaphosa seeks votes at rally

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed on Wednesday that his party remains committed to improving the lives of workers and ensuring freedom in the country. Speaking at his party's African National Congress May Day Rally in Cape Town, he is gearing up for a general election on May 8. Now over the course of the last 30 years, we have worked to give fulfillment to what was set out in the Freedom Charter. We have done all this largely because the workers of our country united and said that we are going to ensure that we win our freedom. The ruling ANC is facing declining support amid economic stagnation and corruption scandals that have tarnished the party's image over the past decade. Ramaphosa called for another ANC majority win, despite many accusing the governing party of failing to deliver on promises. If the ANC gets less than 50% of the vote on May 8, it would have to seek coalition partners to govern, potentially including nearest rival the Democratic Alliance and the EFF. Ramaphosa also doubled down on South Africa's long-standing support for the Palestinian people amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. South Africa brought a case to the International Court of Justice in December, accusing Israel of genocide in the Gaza war. The ICJ ordered Israel to refrain from any acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention and to ensure its troops commit no genocidal acts against Palestinians. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the ICJ case atrocious and preposterous. Israel has said it makes utmost efforts to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza.

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