KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, says the commitment by political parties to free, fair and peaceful elections is a clear indication of the great strides made by the people of the province in entrenching stability and cementing lasting peace.
The Premier was speaking at the signing of the pledge by various political parties in the province, committing themselves and their supporters to ensuring that the upcoming general elections will be free and fair, and devoid of any illegal or violent incidents.
Various political parties from the province made the commitment in an event organised by the Electoral Commission (IEC) at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre this week.
South Africa will go to the polls on 29 May 2024.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dube-Ncube noted the major strides made in establishing peace and tolerance as a way of life in the province.
“As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our democratic breakthrough, we commend the maturity displayed by various political parties through the signing of this pledge. Unlike most of our sister provinces, we know the brutality of political intolerance and the social devastation that this wreaks havoc on our people.
“Therefore, this commitment by political parties is much more than just appending signatures to a pledge, but a solemn promise to our people that they will not allow the elections to take us back to the days of instability,” Dube-Ncube said.
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The Premier said conservative estimates put at 20 000 the number of people who have died because of political violence in KwaZulu-Natal, from the late 1980s to way beyond the democratic moment in 1994.
Through the efforts of all stakeholders, including political leaders, community members, religious leaders, amakhosi and non-governmental organisations, peace was finally achieved in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Following the attainment of peace, ours has been one of the best performing provinces in terms of service delivery and investment attraction, to mention but a few. This confirms the correctness of our long-held view that peace and development are inseparable and that one cannot be achieved in the absence of the other.
“Therefore, all of us have the responsibility to strive for peace, stability and tolerance, even beyond the elections so that our province can continue on its upward and forward growth trajectory,” Nxesi said. – SAnews.gov.za
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