ANC embraces digital technology as election campaign hots up

AS South Africa braces itself for the April general elections, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is turning to the internet in its bid to retain power.

Party spokesperson, Steyn Speed, said on Thursday (today) that the ANC confirmed the developments.

“Video clips are regularly posted on the ANC’s interactive website (www.myanc.org) and on YouTube, with updates on the progress of the campaign. This will allow voters who are not able to attend election events to follow the campaign and the main issues affecting South Africans.

“The most recent video clip covers ANC President Jacob Zuma’s visit to Musina in Limpopo, where thousands of Zimbabweans are being accommodated amid a cholera outbreak. The news clip documents the difficult conditions under which many people are living, and the efforts of health workers and others to contain the disease,” said Speed.

He said on other news clips include reports on the launch of the ANC’s 2009 election manifesto.

“Through these news clips and other innovative online media, the ANC is hoping to deal in a direct way with the challenges facing people, which are the real issues of this election. The ANC is linking this to its ongoing engagement with voters through door-to-door work and public forums,” Speed said.

In the just ended United States presidential election, president Barack Obama also relied on the internet and mobile technology to enhance his campaign.

By Savious Kwinika