South Africa's Ramaphosa seeks votes at rally

STORY: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed on Wednesday (May 1) that his party remains committed to improving the lives of workers and ensuring freedom in the country.

Speaking at his party African National Congress' May Day rally in Cape Town, he is gearing up for a general election on May 8.

“Over the course of the last thirty years, we have worked to give fulfilment to what was set out in the Freedom Charter. We have done all this largely because the workers of our country united, united and said that we are going to ensure that we win our freedom."

The ruling ANC is facing declining support amid economic stagnation and corruption scandals that have tarnished the party's image over the past decade.

Ramaphosa called for another ANC majority win, despite many accusing the governing party of failing to deliver on promises.

If the ANC gets less than 50% of the vote on May 8, it would have to seek coalition partners to govern, potentially including nearest rival the Democratic Alliance and the EFF.

Ramaphosa also doubled down on South Africa's long-standing support for the Palestinian people amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

South Africa brought a case to the International Court of Justice in December accusing Israel of genocide in the Gaza war.

The ICJ ordered Israel to refrain from any acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention and to ensure its troops commit no genocidal acts against Palestinians.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the ICJ case "atrocious and preposterous". Israel has said it makes utmost efforts to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza.