Johannesburg — IN ARGUABLY the most intensive mobilisation campaign in Eastern Cape in recent years, the African National Congress (ANC) election machinery is in full swing as the party celebrates its 97th anniversary today, ahead of its election manifesto launch in East London on Saturday.

The top brass of the ANC, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) are in Eastern Cape to mobilise support as the countdown to this year's general election begins.

The build-up to the ANC's election manifesto launch includes an intensive door-to-door campaign, a continuation of meetings with traditional leaders, and targeted interactions with workers on the shop floor, the youth and business.

The ANC's breakaway bloc, the Congress of the People (COPE), took the battle to the ruling party when it claimed widespread support in Eastern Cape. But in a show of strength, the ANC will launch its manifesto in Eastern Cape's Amathole region, the back yard of COPE national organiser Mluleki George. COPE will launch its election manifesto in Eastern Cape on January 24.

ANC insiders described the party as more united now than before, saying that resources had been "pooled", "defectors kicked out" and the election machinery "rolled out".

With 20% of the ANC's total national vote coming from Eastern Cape in the past general election, the party will have to work hard to ensure its supporters come out for it on election day.

While ANC president Jacob Zuma continues his whistle-stop tour through the province, the country's deputy president, Baleka Mbete, engaged professionals at a beachfront hotel in East London last night and ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe will celebrate the party's anniversary with a speech in the city hall today.

The top brass of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) are also engaged in "youth dialogues" in the form of door-to-door campaigns and a series of meetings with young professionals.

"Most members of the ANCYL have been in the province since December 26," ANCYL national spokesman Floyd Shivambu said.

ANCYL Eastern Cape chairman Mlibo Qhoboshiyane said the party was turning the streets yellow. The message was now clear, he said.

Cosatu and the SACP are also playing a central role in the ANC's election campaign. Cosatu's Eastern Cape secretary, Xola Phakathi, said "targeted workplace interactions" were "bearing fruit".