*Caption: Dr Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma with ANC’s provincial leadership campaigning at the Westville Campus

Written by: Menelisi Ndwandwe

With less than a week before South Africans elect new local government representatives, political parties are striking the final nail in campaigning.

African Union Chairperson and ANC National Executive Member, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was seen campaigning on the Durban streets, accompanied by Provincial Secretary Supa Zuma and ANC Youth League Secretary Thanduxolo Sabela.

Journalismiziko caught up with her at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, where she urged students to vote on the 3rd of August.

“It’s important that you students go out and vote. We know of the challenges that you are facing but the government is not folding arms. It will continue to support education at all cost,” said Dlamini-Zuma.

She added that students must know that life does not end at tertiary level but that they must go be prepared for a competitive world.

Meanwhile, the IFP Youth Brigade National Chairperson, Mkhuleko Hlongwa, speaking at the funeral of IFP’s volunteer at Escourt condemn the violence during election season.

“Seven days from today South Africa will hold local government elections, and we have a duty to ensure that those are free and fair and free from fear,” said Hlongwa.

“These elections are very important for them to be held to ransom by violence and desperate political maneuvers which seek to fulfill personal gains and not service to the people. We are already being threatened with violence and by-elections are being planned. Our retaliation must be peace,” he added.

The IFP will hold Sizonqoba campaign over the weekend at Nkandla and Ulundi, where its President Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi will address members.

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal will hold Siyanqoba campaign on Sunday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium where President Jacob Zuma is expected to be the keynote speaker.

The Ethekwini Metro will be under a huge spotlight as 50 independent candidates are also not resting. In the meantime Wednesday will be the decider on how the council is represented.