Much of the spotlight has recently been on Tlokwe regarding the by-elections, the forthcoming municipal elections and a groundbreaking constitutional court ruling that sets it apart from all other municipalities in the country.
The hotly-contested and vibrant municipality has also attracted the attention of President Jacob Zuma who descended on the area straight from France last Thursday to garner votes for the ANC for the coming elections. The first citizen of the country met up with businesses, religious leaders, politicians and the community.
In a packed Madiba banquet hall, Zuma delivered a history lesson and the principles of the Freedom Charter to invited guests and told them to stick to the ANC because it has a long track record and has existed for 104 years. He added that the party has never stopped being responsible and has pro-duced good policies for the past 21 years. “What have other parties done for you?” he asked.
“Think first before you put a cross on a ballot paper and don’t gamble with your vote. As you are about to vote, think what this organisation has done for you. We are the people who will serve the country and move it to prosperity. The ANC has the interest of the country at heart, not the interest of individuals. If you are a voter and a patriotic South African, why would you vote for any other party? he asked, followed by cheers from the audience.
Zuma also highlighted how the party has made strides in addressing unemployment, education, poverty, and empowering women.
After addressing a selected audience, Zuma went on a door-to-door campaign in Ext. 6 to meet members of the poverty-stricken community.
He first met with Nokwenzani Jama who has lived in the informal settlement for the past 10 years. All she wants from the president is a proper stand and a house. Zuma promised that she would get a place to stay. The ward 1 councillor, Komani Maneli, who was also present, told the president that the people would be relocated to formal stands from 6 August.
“The president says I must vote for the ANC and he will help us with houses,” says Nokwenzani. “I don’t know if he is telling the truth, we will just have to wait and see. Presently, I’m living in the worst conditions and we do not even have toilets. At night, I relieve myself in a bucket,” she continued.
Zuma met another couple, Lydia and Mabala Dlomo who have stayed in the informal settlement for 16 years. The couple lost three babies between 2010 and 2015. “We are appealing for help,” says Lydia. “This place has no running water and we need a proper place to stay. The poles supporting our shack have been eroded by the heavy rains and, when the wind blows, we are afraid that it will collapse.”
The president and the NW premier, Supra Muhumapelo also promised the Mabalas a place to stay.
Zuma and Mahumapelo went on to the Sarafina grounds and were welcomed by a cheering multitude of energetic ANC supporters who sang and danced.
Zuma also appealed to them to vote for the ANC.