Some residents in Maniini and Lufule 2 outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo have told African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa about their frustration over the lack of clean drinking water and load shedding.
The ANC leader has been campaigning for the party in the area ahead of the November first local government elections. 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.”
Infighting affects service delivery
Ramaphosa also says political and leadership squabbles within the ruling party are negatively impacting service delivery in municipalities.
Ramaphosa’s door-to-door campaign:
Ramaphosa was speaking during his campaign trail in Vhembe in Limpopo. He visited three wards under the Thulamela Local Municipality where he introduced his party’s candidates to potential voters.
ANC provincial chairperson, Stanley Mathabatha and ANC NEC member, Thoko Didiza accompanied Ramaphosa during the campaign.
They also met with traditional leaders and representatives of faith-based organisations.
Ramaphosa will conclude his two-day campaign in Limpopo by canvassing for votes in Seshego in Polokwane on Sunday.
