Residents of Riverside View used the opportunity of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit on May 30 to raise concerns about education, unemployment, crime, and the lack of basic public facilities in the community.

The visit formed part of the president’s engagement with residents, allowing him to hear their concerns firsthand, and interact directly with community members.

Among those who addressed the president was Monica Monare, a preschool principal and teacher, who highlighted the challenges facing families in the area, particularly the shortage of schools.

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“We are so lucky, as the residents of Riverside View, to have the president coming here. As long as the president is able to come to his people, that is when we will be able to tell him our grievances and our issues.”

Monare said many children are forced to travel long distances to attend school after graduating from preschool.

“Now, it is winter and our children have to wake up extremely early, in the darkness and the cold, to travel long distances just to get to school. We need schools, a clinic, and a police station. Our youth are unemployed, and there are no business-zoned areas where economic opportunities can be created.”

Monare added that the community lacks recreational facilities for children. “Kids don’t know where to play. This is a residential area, but there are no public parks for them.”

While acknowledging that many residents had benefited from government housing programmes, she said poverty remained a major concern. “People were able to get houses, but they don’t have food. Electricity is expensive, and many families are finding it difficult to make ends meet.”

Ramaphosa acknowledged the need for improved public services and said government would explore temporary solutions while permanent infrastructure projects are being developed.

“We want to make this place as beautiful as it is and ensure that it is safe. We don’t want our women to be afraid to walk at night. We don’t want our kids to be abused and not have a place to report such things.”

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Ramaphosa said he had discussed the community’s needs with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

“I asked the premier, and he said these projects are in the budget, but because I know it may take time, I said let’s bring temporary facilities here while we work towards the permanent ones.”

The president said government would consider the provision of temporary schools, mobile clinics, and policing facilities to assist residents while larger infrastructure projects are implemented.

Addressing unemployment, Ramaphosa said government was working to attract more investment into Gauteng and create opportunities for young people.

“We are willing to partner with private companies, so that we are able to create more employment opportunities for the youth.”

He also encouraged young people to remain in school and take advantage of educational opportunities available to them.

“Youth, please stay in school. Don’t drop out.

We have a free education system here in South Africa that you need to take advantage of, and if you are of a certain age, there are programmes available to help you obtain your matric. That is very important.”

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