FORMER president Jacob Zuma has called on the "poor black" South Africans to go out in large numbers to vote.
He was addressing the All-African Alliance at Central Western Jabavu in Soweto, Joburg on Friday, 5 January 2024.
Zuma, who recently publicly endorsed the newly formed uMkhonto Wesizwe political party, said South Africans should not vote for people who will sweet talk them.
"You should not vote for people who will sweet talk you, but you should vote for freedom. I'm glad that the pastors are here because you should get churchgoers to go and vote.
"As black people, we should vote in large numbers to fix what's broken. We should not be afraid because if we speak the truth, we will always fight among ourselves. Let us be honest, every person should live a life of ubuntu," he said.
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Zuma also called for transparency in the counting of votes.
"Why do we vote in public, but voting takes place in a secret place? Where is the truth in that? We need to come up with rules that make it clear when you have won, because it would be criminal if you won, and it is said that you did not win.
"What are they hiding when people have voted that we have to count the votes in the corners? Where is the truth in that? said Zuma.
He reminded those present that he had served 10 years in prison.
"Some of us suffered, were arrested and served 10 years and six months in prison to fight for freedom. I even left my country to stay abroad. I stayed for 14 years, and I fought for half of them. Did I fight for my voice to be hidden, for what?" he asked.
He said they needed a two-thirds majority to change the vote-counting rules.
