Broad Support for ANC Manifesto at Gala Dinner

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BYLINE: SIBUSISO NGALWA

Businessmen, sportsmen, academics and traditional leaders came out to endorse the ANC's manifesto and pledge their support for the ruling party at a gala dinner addressed by party president Jacob Zuma in Johannesburg on Saturday night.

Speaker after speaker pinned their flags to the ANC's mast, promising to help the ruling party to a decisive victory in the pending elections.

The star of the night - besides Zuma - was respected Soweto businessman Richard Maponya. Walking with the aid of a stick and supported by Transport Minister Jeff Radebe, Maponya received a rousing welcome that rivalled that given to Zuma, who was accompanied by …