The Eastern Cape changed for the better under former president Jacob Zuma, with major infrastructure projects coming to light, compared to the terms of Thabo Mbeki and Nelson Mandela, according to ANC Eastern Cape chairperson Oscar Mabuyane.
“In the 25 years [of ANC] in power, there is a lot that Zuma has done for the Eastern Cape, changing the face of our province. We must say that upfront,” Mabuyane said during the provincial celebration of the party’s 107 birthday at Calata House on Tuesday.
Mabuyane credited Zuma's 10-year rule for ensuring that projects such as the work on the N2 Wild Coast road, the Mzimvubu water catchment scheme as well as the multi-billion revamping project of King Sabata Dalindyebo roads’ network started in earnest.
He said were it not for Zuma's intervention, those major projects, most of which were launched during Mbeki's era, would remain a pipe dream.
Mabuyane’s statement comes as the party is preparing for its 107Tth birthday in the home province of Zuma.
Mabuyane is viewed as one of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s closest allies. He was integral in lobbying support for Ramaphosa to become party president.
In a telephonic interview later on Tuesday, Mabuyane said: “I’m not apologetic. Zuma responded to our political call like no other before him. At least something much better has been done to change the picture of the province.”
Ramaphosa took over the reins as state president after Zuma’s recall by the ANC in February 2018.
Earlier this week during the ANC build up to the ruling party’s manifesto launch in KwaZulu-Natal, Ramaphosa accompanied by Zuma said he would use the former statesman in “various tasks”...