THE MERCURY
ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa charmed the crowds in Empangeni on Tuesday. Picture: Doctor Ngcobo
Durban – ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa spent Wednesday walking the streets of Durban, entering shopping centres and homes, urging people to vote for the party in next year’s elections, while lauding President Jacob Zuma’s achievements.
He was given a rousing welcome everywhere he went, with Durban people mobbing him and cheering his progress.
When asked by The Mercury if he had ambitions to be deputy president of South Africa, he said it was up to the ANC.
“I was elected to do ANC work, and I will remain a deployee of the ANC. The ANC decides where to deploy its cadres.”
His day started when he spoke to Grade 12 pupils at a school in Hammarsdale about the importance of education, especially reading.
On hearing that the pupils, from various high schools, had gathered at the hall, Ramaphosa asked to talk to them. He told them his political and business success was due to his passion for reading.
“I have become successful because I love reading. I used to read 40 books a year, but I have slowed down because of my busy schedule.
“At the age of 16, I started my library and visited second-hand bookshops to buy books. The likes of Pixley ka Isaka Seme, John Langalibalele Dube, Nelson Mandela and our president became successful because they loved reading,” he said.
Ramaphosa’s entourage included ANC provincial chairman Senzo Mchunu, eThekwini regional chairman Sibongiseni Dhlomo and Durban mayor James Nxumalo.
Ramaphosa’s election campaign offensive started with a visit to the house of late Struggle stalwart Matthews Meyiwa.
He then started his door-to-door campaign.
In Clermont, where he received a warm welcome, Ramaphosa shook hands with pedestrians and touched children’s heads, all the while encouraging them to fight for a better future. He entered shops and trading stalls. He even entered a tavern and watched a snooker game.
“We want the ANC to win this election and rule,” he said.
Some in Clermont said they recognised Ramaphosa from television, but then jokingly asked him who he was.
The Mercury
