Residents of Ga-Ramokgopa in Botlokwa in the Molemole Local Municipality are happy that their dusty rural village has been recognised to host the 2015 Heritage Day Celebrations.
But within hours the celebrations will be over and life will have to resume. As it resumes, one common feeling among them is that hosting the event would be in vain if their everyday struggles and plight would have not been recognised.
Unemployment seems to be the common the predicament afflicting the youth of the area.
“At least the politicians and the media will be here. So, if we say we have unemployment issues, no water supply and worn out roads, they are all here to witness that,” says a young man sitting at a street corner.
He hasn’t worked in his life, but can only hope with the Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in the area to deliver the Keynote Address at the event, their plight might be addressed.
His sentiments are echoed by one woman whose heart goes to the youth of the area.
“We are only appealing to the President to create jobs for our children. Our children have finished school and are just sitting at home doing nothing. Only if there can be jobs, I’d be so happy,” she laments.
– By Sipho Kekana
