Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
18 March 2024 | 15:30 CAT
2 min read

In less than three months, South Africa prepares for what experts deem as the most pivotal national elections since the historic democratic transition of 1994. With Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal emerging as key battlegrounds, all eyes are on the African National Congress (ANC), particularly in Gauteng, where the party’s dominance hangs in the balance.

Speaking to Radio Islam, ANC Youth leader and Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Gauteng Fasiha Hassan said the ANC is gearing up for the elections, emphasising their focus on service delivery and renewal.

“We have seen unstable coalitions, a lot of horse-trading, and a lack of focus on service delivery. Which is why, when you read the ANC manifesto, you will see we want to introduce legislation to stabilise coalitions, professionalise stable services, and ensure we don’t have the current issues,” she said.

Hassan emphasised that the African National Congress (ANC) has been a staunch supporter of Palestine since the beginning of the Palestinian resistance in 1948. “For the naysayers, it is not a recent development. The ANC’s support for Palestine does not detract from their focus on delivering services and addressing local issues. These two important goals should never be pitted against each other,” she said.

She highlighted that the ANC’s anti-corruption efforts are yielding positive results.

“The ANC is the only political party all over the world that actively opened a state capture commission, which we knew would be very harmful and cancerous for us. But we have been clear in ensuring that, apart from the anti-corruption elements within the party, we have done a big amount around re-evaluating state institutions. All bodies that fight crime have more funding, are more autonomous, and have the right people at the helm. We have also removed a number of members who have been active parts of corruption, Ace Magashule, being one of them, was removed as secretary general, as well as Jacob Zuma,” said Hassan.

She stated that the ANC is a political party that still represents our Muslim values, allowing us to practice openly and considers all stakeholders’ views.

Hassan announced that the ANC is considering placing several municipalities under administration.

“The problem is the municipalities are not as stable as they need to be, but of course, we will only be voting for local governments in 2026. But we are now looking at other forms of interventions and creating a community-led process also supported by the state,” she said.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Junaid Kharsany and Gauteng MPL Fasiha Hassan, here.