ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa says his party will sweep the embattled Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality. Ramaphosa says municipal officials should understand that basic services such as water and sanitation is a basic right of every resident.
Speaking to the community at Intabazwe in Harrismith, Ramaphosa said he is aware that the people are angry with the ruling party and that he’s glad he came in person to address their issues. He has conceded that local government is in disarray but says all those who will become ANC mayors after the 1st of November local government elections will be put through a strict vetting process. ‘
Ramaphosa is on a campaign trail in the eastern Free State.
ANC has pulled out all stops, vying for votes in the troubled Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality. In less than a month, ANC top officials including its Deputy President, David Mabuza have been in Maluti-A-Phofung to campaign.
Now is the ANC’s president, Ramaphosa, who told the party supporters that the ruling party is rooting out corruption. He has urged and requested the residents to vote for ANC.
He’s committed his party to doing things differently after the upcoming local government elections.
The municipality has been battling with chronic water shortages and power outages.
“This time around, we are also going to place young people as councilors. 25% of our councilors are young people, 46% women. We’ve said women must also come on board and work for people. And we don’t need thieves. We don’t want laziness and we don’t need people who fail to look after people.”
When in Harrismith, Ramaphosa told the residents that he knows about the concerns in the area.
“I’m happy that I’ve come here personally. One of the problems that I’ve heard is that you are complaining about the by-pass. And you’re also complaining about the SEZ (Special Economic Zone), on why is it not getting off the ground. So, I’ve heard about your complaints.”
There have been a series of protests over poor service delivery. Residents of Harrismith like in Qwaqwa say they want government to do right by them.
Ramaphosa has promised to remove incompetent councillors after the local government elections. He says the party will end the trend of placement of people in crucial positions in municipalities for being popular.
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses supporters in Harrismith, Free State:
