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South Africa election: President vows economy will be key

South African President Jacob Zuma has pledged that giving non-whites more economic power will be a priority if his African National Congress is returned to power in this week's election.

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South African President and African National Congress president Jacob Zuma (C) dances ahead of his address during the final ANC election campaign rally at Soccer City stadium on May 4, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Getty)

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Source: AFP


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Speaking at a rally of more than 90,000 people, Zuma said "economic transformation will be a key priority" in the next administration after Wednesday's vote.

   

Zuma said his government would strengthen enforcement of employment rules designed to give black South Africans more control of business.

   

"Successful implementation will open more opportunities for African, Indian and Coloured people as well as women, the youth and persons with disability, as we reverse the apartheid legacy," he said.

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Much of South Africa's industrial and financial sectors remain dominated by whites, despite rules supporting black business.

   

South Africa is more inequal today than it was at the advent of democracy in 1994, despite the emergence of a black middle class.

   

Unemployment is officially at 25 percent, but many millions of workers have given up looking for work all together.

   

Zuma promised to create six million "work opportunities" in the next five years if elected.

   

The ANC is expected to win more than 60 percent of the vote on Wednesday, thanks in large part to its anti-apartheid history.


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