Thousands flocked to Ikageng Stadium on Friday, 20 October, for the arrival of SA president Cyril Ramaphosa for his Presidential Imbizo. The main aim of the visit was to see the progress made on commitments the government undertook during the previous District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo.

Ramaphosa and various ministers and MEC’s arrived for the Imbizo at around 12:00. Before then, numerous residents of the community had already been waiting in a big marquee tent for his arrival since around 09:00.

Some residents who could not get space in the tent had to sit outside on the grandstands and watched the proceedings unfold on a big screen.

Some residents made full use of the opportunity to raise questions directly to the president and ministers regarding various issues in the municipality. This was mostly related to service delivery, corruption and unemployment, among other burning topics. The heated questions were in tune with the sweltering conditions of the day as temperatures reached the high thirties.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

“There are no jobs in J.B. Marks Municipality. Foreigners have taken all our jobs, or people working at the municipality hire their relatives, friends and family; it is only a formality to advertise posts,” stated one distressed resident.

“Till today, we have not received our RDPs, but people who can afford it are the ones who have RDP houses and rent them out,” stated another Ikageng resident.

“The municipality is not assisting disabled schools with resources,” added another one.

In reply, Ramaphosa said the ministers, MECs and mayors had devoted much time and attention to the questions raised and noted them.

“We look forward to implementing the District Development Model. There is a commitment to bettering the municipal audit at a provincial level to strengthen municipalities. We are working day in and day out to better the lives of our people,” stated Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa added that the access to piped water had increased to 70 per cent. “North West has always been a water-challenged province. The Operation Bulela Metsi programme will solve water challenges in the North West,” he mentioned.

Photos: Dineo Letsholo

Furthermore, the president reiterated that government is working on creating more job opportunities for the youth. This was amidst numerous calls from the public regarding this issue. In a touching moment, the president also told one of the residents that the District would help her with the funeral costs and preparations after her child had recently died.

Another highlight for some families were the presentation of title deeds to different families who were returned ownership of their lands.

“I want to thank the people of North West for attending the Presidential Imbizo event as it was the best and most well attended of all the previous Imbizo’s,” said Ramaphosa.