Residents of Riverside View used President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to once again raise concerns about the lack of basic services in the area, with repeated calls for healthcare facilities ringing out during his address.

While Ramaphosa acknowledged the concerns and promised temporary clinics, schools, and police service points to help address some of the community’s immediate needs, some residents interrupted his speech with shouts of ‘We want clinics’, to express the urgency of their demands.

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The president, who was accompanied by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and other government officials, spent part of his visit engaging directly with residents and visiting households to hear their concerns firsthand.

Addressing the crowd, Ramaphosa said one of the things that stood out during his visit was the appreciation expressed by residents who had received government-subsidised homes after previously living in informal settlements.

“This is a very beautiful area and we are proud, as government, to see our people who were moved from shacks in Diepsloot to live in houses. These houses were given to them for free.”

Ramaphosa said he had spoken to several residents during his walkabout and was encouraged by the positive feedback regarding housing in the area.

He also raised concerns about the lack of key facilities, particularly schools and healthcare services, saying residents should not have to wait years before accessing essential services.

“I asked the premier why the area does not have important facilities such as schools. He told me they are already in the budget, but I said that will take too long. While the permanent schools are being built, we must provide temporary classrooms so that children can learn in the meantime.”

The president said a similar approach should be taken to healthcare facilities. “We saw, during COVID-19, that we were able to build a hospital in just a few months, so we can do it again.”

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Beyond infrastructure, Ramaphosa also spoke about the challenge of youth unemployment, describing it as one of the country’s most pressing issues. He said government was continuing efforts to create opportunities for young people and encouraged learners to remain in school and complete their education.

He urged young people not to drop out, saying education remained one of the most important tools for improving their future prospects and accessing employment opportunities.

Ramaphosa assured residents that government had heard their concerns and said officials would continue engaging with the community.

While no specific timeline was provided, he indicated that government representatives would return to the area to follow up on issues raised by residents.

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