JOHANNESBURG: South Africa's main opposition party launched its campaign on Saturday for August municipal elections by targeting black voters disillusioned with the African National Congress (ANC) that has ruled since apartheid.

“In 2016, the face of poverty is still black,” Democratic Alliance (DA) party head Mmusi Maimane told tens of thousands of supporters at a Johannesburg rally.

“And this is why it is true when we say: The ANC governs as if black lives don't matter.”

The DA hopes to make major gains in the municipal elections set for Aug. 3, tapping into widespread discontent over South Africa's dire economy and embattled President Jacob Zuma.

DA already governs the city and province of Cape Town and has been working to erase the image that it favours the white minority in the nation of some 52 million.

Maimane told supporters to use the vote to send a message about the state of the nation.

“It is a referendum on the future of our country,” he said. “The election is an opportunity to send a message to President Zuma and the ANC that we are sick and tired of their lies.”

Zuma has faced a chorus of demands to step down after the Constitutional Court ruled last month that he failed to uphold the constitution by refusing an ombudswoman's orders to repay money spent on upgrading his private home.