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Mantashe asks Free State voters to back the ANC

Published

ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe compared the party's mistakes to those of the biblical David at a meeting in Virginia. He said the ANC admits its errors and corrects them, ahead of the local government elections on November 4.

Mantashe spoke at Meloding Community Hall in Virginia, Free State. He said the ANC acknowledges its mistakes, corrects them and stays on a consistent path.

He argued that breakaway parties lack the experience to deliver change. He said they will start at the beginning, as the ANC did.

Mantashe said delays in services do not mean the ANC has abandoned its commitments. On education, he said parents at no-fee schools do not pay school fees and the state covers the cost of meals.

He said: "The ANC doesn’t make promises. The ANC makes commitments."

Key facts

Who
Gwede Mantashe (ANC national chairperson)
What
Speaking at Meloding Community Hall in Virginia, Free State, Mantashe said the ANC acknowledges and corrects its mistakes, argued breakaway parties lack governing experience, and defended the party's record on education and commitments.
When
26 October 2026
Where
Virginia, Free State
Status
Reported

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