Baleka Mbete ‘blitz’ in Polokwane
The ANC's National Chairperson, Baleka Mbete, visited the city and surrounds on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, engaging with residents on the streets of Polokwane and through a door-to-door campaign.
POLOKWANE – Yesterday’s campaign started at the Indian Centre taxi rank and proceeded to Disteneng and Ext 44 were residents were given a chance to voice their concerns.
One of the residents in Ext 44 yelled at Mbete during the door-to-door campaign, saying they were tired of listening to empty promises.
“The ANC promised to fix the sewerage pipes in the area but nothing happened.
“We don’t enjoy our food anymore because of the smell of the sewage running through our yards. All you want is our votes and then vanish into thin air after winning the elections,” she said.
Residents also criticised the ward councillor, Tebogo Mojapelo, saying she does not listen to any of their complaints.
Rosey Mohlabja said she wanted to vote for the ANC but isn’t so sure anymore as their grievances “fall on deaf ears”.
“We have been living in this situation for too long and our children have no choice but to play right next to the sewage. This is not healthy but the ANC-led government doesn’t seem to care,” said Mohlabja.
Another resident, Betty Mmako, explained that she is unemployed and has to feed eight children.
“The social grant is not enough. The ANC must create jobs for us,” she pleaded.
Mbete said they chose to visit Disteneng as they know about the situation in the area.
“We are happy that residents voiced their concerns and I view the conditions in the area as an emergency.
“Limpopo ANC will visit the area today and see what can be done to fix the pipes,” said Mbete.
After the Disteneng visit, Mbete had lunch with some senior citizens at the Ngoako Ramahlodi Sports Complex and then proceeded to Seshego Mall for a walkabout.
