![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2014/07/David-D-Mabuza.jpg)
MBOMBELA – The MEC for agriculture, Mr Andries Gamede, has condemned opposition parties for focusing on the government’s shortfalls while ignoring its achievement of enhancing democracy since 1994.
Gamede was responding to the DA’s Mr Anthony Benadie’s criticism of the ANC’s failure to supply water to a number of rural areas. During the State of the Province Address (Sopa) Benadie pointed out that a number of communities were still sharing water with animals.
“Yes, some are still sharing water with animals, but there are those who have running water. We cannot fix these things in one day, but something good is happening,” replied Gamede.
In his response, Mabuza said the journey towards a better life had been long and challenging, but government had done well to improve over the past 20 years.
He acknowledged that there were still challenges, but they would speed up the service-delivery vehicle and reach those other areas that had earlier not been covered. “We are aware that poverty, inequality, racism and unemployment are increasing, but we are taking radical steps to improve the country.
Yes, there are areas of concerns and we are going to address them,” he said.
“We have reached a point where we are now recognised as a province, because of the work we have been doing for our people.
All the things I mentioned in my address are equally important. I would like to urge everyone to lend a helping hand. It’s not about who is leading, but about the country’s future,” concluded Mabuza.