Kagiso was blessed to have two South African statesmen visit the township during the election campaign.
At the beginning of of April, Deputy President David “DD” Mabuza took time off from his hectic schedule and visited the Faith Community Sanctuary Church in Kagiso.
On 14 April, President Cyril Ramaphosa started his day in Swaneville. Twenty-eight years ago, an attack on homes in the area left 27 community members dead and more than 100 shacks and cars burnt.
Ramaphosa was accompanied by Gauteng Premier David Makhuru, West Rand District Executive Mayor, Boyce Maneli and Merafong Mayor, Maphefo Letsie.
The street leading to the venue was closed off by a single Quantum surrounded by police, Mogale City Public Safety and Metro Police. A convoy of at least 10 black cars mounted with blue lights was parked nearby, one of them with a number plate announcing the presence of the country’s first citizen: RSA1.
During a standard, stage-managed, door-to-door visit, Ramaphosa sat down and spoke to two men.
“We grew up in the ANC, we love the ANC, we vote for the ANC, but we don’t feel our concerns are being heard. Here in Swaneville where we live, the crime is out of control. When you go to report to the Kagiso Police Station, you get told there are no vans. But the vans are sitting at people’s homes,” one of the men told him.
The Krugersdorp and Kagiso Police Stations are among the priority stations which contributed significantly to high crime levels in the province.
“When you came in, we rejoiced, thinking that things will get better,” the man said, competing with the growing excitement of the large crowd gathered outside, hoping for a glimpse of the president.
Before leaving the house, Ramaphosa make a big show of ensuring that the men received ANC shirts.
There was an awkward wait as they searched for the plastic bag containing the shirts before it was brought to the president, who personally handed them out.
The ANC keeps this promise at its core in everything it does – “We listen to the people for we are the people”.
