ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public frustration with poor municipal services and the cost of living, as he urged voters to support the party in the 4 November local government elections.
Addressing the ANC’s Limpopo provincial rally in Polokwane on Saturday, 31 October, Ramaphosa said party volunteers and representatives had heard residents’ concerns while campaigning.
He said the election was an opportunity to improve services, including water and street lighting, and called for municipalities to become places that attract investment. He also said poor households should receive free basic services.
On employment, Ramaphosa said opportunities were needed for young people as well as people older than 35. He called on municipalities to buy from local businesses, expand public employment and create conditions for investment.
He also warned that delayed payments to service providers hurt businesses and called on municipal officials and managers to pay them on time. His remarks were campaign commitments; whether they translate into funded programmes and improved services will depend on implementation by the relevant authorities.
The ANC’s own campaign message has identified water shortages, potholes, crime and youth unemployment among the concerns raised during community engagements. Other parties have also made municipal services a central issue ahead of voting day.
Special voting takes place on 2 and 3 November, followed by the local government elections on 4 November. Watch EBNewsDaily’s highlights of Ramaphosa’s address.
