Presidential Imbizo: ‘The R350, Mr President, it is not enough’

President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged with Western Cape citizens during the Presidential Imbizo held at Dal Josafat Athletics Stadium today.

Joined by Minister Ebrahim Patel and Premier Alan Winde, Ramaphosa also met with community organisations and businesses.

The Presidential Imbizo

Ramaphosa’s visit today marks another installment in the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo series.

The aim is for Ramaphosa to gain first-hand insight into the lived experiences and the hardships faced by community members.

This year’s event takes place under the theme ‘Leave No-One Behind’, as announced during this 2022 State of the Nation Address.

In the heart of Drakenstein, community leader Sharon Davids, representing Ward 27, speaks passionately on behalf of her fellow residents.

‘R350 not enough’

Davids welcomed government’s unemployment assistance – the R350 grant – but urged the president to understand that this aid is far from sufficient.

“The R350, Mr President, it’s not enough. The premiere must understand, government must understand: We need to give the unemployed people more than R350.”

She didn’t mince her words, stating emphatically that while many families rely on this stipend, it barely scratches the surface of their needs.

“The majority are buying food with that money and supporting their parents, and it is not enough.”

Evictions in Cape Winelands

Davids also addressed the recent evictions across the Cape Winelands. The plight of residents in farm areas, where there are no official owners, is particularly heartrending.

She said many residents are living without the basic necessities of life – such as clean water or sanitation services.

However, evictions and basic necessities are only the tip of the iceberg in this struggling community. Davids also questioned the government’s efforts in creating employment opportunities.

Presidential Imbizo: Previous visit

Ramaphosa’s visit to the Cape Winelands District follows a visit to the neighboring Vlakkeland human settlement project.

In Vlakkeland, R248 million had been invested which facilitated the construction of 432 houses, with another 323 currently underway.

Some 180 local workers had been employed through the Vlakkeland project.