Some residents at Ward 13 in Seshego in Polokwane in Limpopo, where African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa is campaigning, are optimistic that the party will win the ward back.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) won the ward in the 2016 local government elections.
A group of ANC supporters gathered near Nelson Mandela Drive waiting to be addressed by Ramaphosa.
SABC News reporter Lutendo Bobodi brings the latest from Seshego:
He has been campaigning at Ga-Dikgale and Mankweng in the Capricorn district today. This is what some party supporters in Seshego said.
“I believe we will win, the ANC worked for me because I am a proud owner of a house, we will win and we are happy they have extended the R350 grants. I am from extension 76, I believe and trust that the ANC will win the ward back.”
Ramaphosa’s Limpopo campaign
The provision of basic services, like water and the performance of municipalities, has been a major theme in campaigning ahead of the elections.
Hundreds of party faithful gathered at Lufule primary school at Ha-Tshisele to welcome Ramaphosa. He started by conducting a door-to-door campaign at the village.
Residents were happy to see him visiting their homes. They told him that water shortage and electricity load shedding are their main problems.
“I am so happy that the President visited my family, I am in support of the ANC. There is no consistent water supply, I am happy that I manage to get the contacts for those people who will help me to continue with my studies,” says a resident.
Ramaphosa also visited resident Vhakoma Vho-Mukoma Tshisele. He assured Ramaphosa that he will still vote for the ANC, despite poor road conditions and lack of water.
“It’s our long time organisation, we cannot afford to abandon it. Even when things are tough but we support it because we were trained to hold on even when things are not going accordingly.”
Ramaphosa introduced the ANC’s ward 17 candidate and expressed appreciation that people nominated him to stand.
“Even you young people, go back and remind your parents who are not here that the 1st of November is a voting day. Are you going to tell your parents? You elderly ones, you already know that on the first we should all come out in large numbers to go and vote for the ANC. ANC must come back and rule.”
