Jobs, water and corruption dominate Nkowankowa political debate
Unemployment, water shortages, corruption and high electricity costs dominated a heated political debate in Nkowankowa ahead of the November 4 election.
TZANEEN – Unemployment, corruption, cadre deployment, water shortages, sewage problems and high electricity costs dominated a heated political debate at Nkowankowa Community Hall during a live broadcast of Capricorn FM’s programme hosted by Nghamula Chauke.
Representatives of the ANC, DA, EFF, ActionSA, APC, Rise Mzansi and Mayibuye I Africa outlined their positions and proposals for addressing the challenges facing communities.
Greater Tzaneen Municipality Mayor Odas Ngobeni represented the ANC, while Dr Mikia Ramothwala represented ActionSA and Lebbeus Ramalepe the DA. Other party representatives also took part in the discussion.
DA: End water tankers and cadre deployment
Ramalepe said a DA-led municipality would end reliance on water tankers, do away with cadre deployment and screen municipal employees to ensure that those appointed had the required formal qualifications.
EFF: Protect indigent households
The EFF pledged to protect indigent households from high electricity costs.
The party also said it had identified a site where hawkers operating in the central business district could be relocated to continue earning a living.
It further proposed promoting godliness in schools as part of efforts to address drug use and bullying.
ActionSA blames ANC for unemployment
ActionSA blamed the ANC for the unemployment crisis.
Ramothwala said his party would establish a database of unemployed graduates and address the employment of illegal immigrants.
ANC highlights service delivery
The ANC highlighted service delivery initiatives undertaken in recent weeks and months, saying it intended to continue providing services to communities.
Its representatives emphasised that governance was an ongoing process.
Other proposals
Other parties outlined proposals to:
- Create jobs
- Expand employment opportunities for people older than 35
- Increase monthly social grants, which they argued were insufficient
The debate drew supporters of the participating parties, many of whom cheered and applauded their representatives throughout the programme.
