BARBERTON – The DA Mpumalanga’s premier candidate, Anthony Benadie described the ANC-voted premier, David Mabuza as the most corrupt political official.
Speaking first to the elderly at BOBS Centre in Barberton and afterwards at Ext 7’s dilapidated kids playpark, Benadie didn’t spare words to also lambaste the current president, Jacob Zuma. Spotting to Umjindi ANC member, Tiwawa Fakudze, he said it was not a way forward.
“There was once a violent strike in Umjinidi. You demolished properties. And I can tell you today that violent protests can’t help you. Your cross on May 7 can change everything. Together for change, together for jobs,” he said. According to Benadie it was because of the ANC that people of Umjindi were struggling.
“You can be happy that Mabuza lives here. He bought himself three cars worth more than R5 million. He took the university away from Umjindi. Though the (DA) support the institution, it can’t tolerate corruption. If you want corruption and to promote Nkandla, vote for the ANC. With Mandela we saw progress, but for the past five years we have seen degeneration increasing. And the only way to stop it is to vote out the ANC.”
He also touched on the subject of unfair employment in Umjinidi. “If you don’t wear an ANC T-shirt, you aren’t employed. It is using races to divide the nation. And if the ANC wins the next elections, nothing will change. Vote DA and receive a better life for all,” Benadie said.
While conducting door-to-door campaigns, he met a destitute, ill woman. Mary Mayisela told him that she was unemployed and was receiving no help from local municipality. Found warming herself by a self-made fire, Mayisela told Benadie that her electricity had been cut off by Umjindi because she couldn’t pay for it.
“I don’t qualify for a social grant or pension and couldn’t maintain the municipal monthly rent. It cut off my electricity,” she said.
Meiston Mnisi, Umjindi DA councillor said people had to trust his political party. “Some people think that if the DA can govern, it will bring back apartheid and that is not the truth. It is for all of us,” Mnisi said.
