SCORES BRAVE RAIN TO HEAR MANDELA AND ZUMA AT ANC IDUTYWA RALLY

Scores of African National Congress (ANC) supporters today (Sunday, 15 February 2009) braved heavy downpours in the Eastern Cape's Idutywa and thronged into the rural town's half-sheltered taxi rank to chant, dance and listen to the organisation's President, Jacob Zuma, and former President Nelson Mandela.

In an historic show of confidence in the ANC - in the run-up to the 2009 elections - Mandela, who was accompanied by his daughter Makaziwe, grandson Mandla and grand daughter Ndileka, arrived at the rally to get a tumultuous welcome from the crowds amid the rendition by popular artist Winnie Khumalo of the song: "Ndiyo kuhlala ndi nje. Ndiyi ANC (I will remain ANC)".

The ANC rally, originally scheduled to be held at the Idutywa Sports Stadium, had to be moved to the taxi rank open area due to heavy rains.

Madiba - as he is affectionately known - rose to wave at ANC supporters and made remarks that dispelled any doubts on his political loyalty. Mandela: "Nxamalala (Jacob Zuma) has already spoken. Mine is simply to greet you. Despite the rain, you have all come here in numbers to show your commitment to the ANC.  May you (ANC) live forever. Long live the ANC!"

Also present to greet ANC supporters, was Rivonia Treason trialist Andrew Mlangeni.

Earlier - speaking mainly in isiXhosa - Mandela's grandson, Mandla, told the crowds: "They (people) have all been asking themselves on which side is the Mandela family. We would like to confirm that the Mandela family is in the ANC and will die members of the ANC. For 27 years (during Mandela's incaceration on Robben Island) we have been here in the ANC. The family, including grandchildren, will be with the ANC. We have not left the ANC, we will not leave the ANC and we will die in the ANC. "

In his address, Zuma who described Mandela as "a legend" and "a living ANC ancestor," reflected on an earlier meeting he held with Mandela before the rally. Zuma: "When we met earlier, Madiba said to me he wished to be present in just one ANC rally to greet the people and show everyone that he is still with us. He encouraged us to campaign in these elections in a dignified manner and not talk about other people except the ANC and its policies. They (opposition parties) have nothing else to talk about other than the ANC."

Zuma devoted most of his speech to pay tribute to Mandela. Zuma: "Mandela is here today to say he will 'die in the ANC'. He was the number 10th president, Zizi (Thabo Mbeki) number 11th and I am number 12th. We are blessed that he became South Africa's first democratically elected president of South Africa.

"When we see Mandela, we see our father, a brave warrior. When talking about Mandela, you are talking about the history of the ANC. He is the true embodiment of the organisation who led the ANC Youth League, Defiance Campaign, was Volunteer-in-Chief and Commander-in-chief. He is a devoted member of the ANC until the end. He has taught us that when there are challenges or differences in opinion within the organisation, don't run away but stay inside to resolve them."

Zuma said the ANC was committed to ensuring a better quality of life for all South Africans. He told the crowds: "You have the power, so use it. You have the power to vote in leaders to govern and the power to recall them when they fail you. When you cast your vote in elections, you demonstrate your power. If a councillor does not deliver, pass a vote of no confidence. This goes for the President of the Republic, Cabinet Minister, Premier, MEC and Mayor."

Zuma said the date (22 April 2009) was set as an election date and the organisation was ready for the polls. He said the Idutywa - the birthplace of the late ANC and SACP stalwart Govan Mbeki - was the "home of the ANC".

Crowds danced to the music of traditional dance group Imfenendala, Lusanda, and Jub Jub.

Statement issued by the African National Congress February 15 2009