President Cyril Ramaphosa has told South Coasters that the ANC was committed to boosting their standard of living and bettering their lives.
The president was addressing shack-dwellers at the Masinenge informal settlement on Monday this week.
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He added that the ANC was the only party able to build decent houses for poor people and restore their dignity.
Mr Ramaphosa visited the area to garner support for the ANC as it kicked off its 107th birthday celebrations ahead of its manifesto launch at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban this Saturday.
The president made a number of appearances on the South Coast, accompanied by ANC provincial chairman Sihle Zikalala, provincial executive committee members as well as regional task team members.
He spent some time interacting with Uvongo residents before making his way to Masinenge, where he was met with some indifference, apparently because the residents there blamed the party for losing the ward to the DA three years ago.
“When the ANC removed our preferred candidate councillor prior to the 2016 government elections, most of us did not vote, while others voted for the DA, which is now not helping us at all,” said one resident.
The Masinenge slum clearance project was launched by Human Settlements MEC Ravi Pillay and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality in 2013 when the construction site was handed over.
Of the 882 new homes scheduled to be built, only 26 have been handed over to their owners.
A further 103 houses are waiting for ‘snag lists’ to be completed while many dwellers are still waiting patiently to move into their homes.
At Merlewood, the president was greeted with a frenzy of handshakes, hugs, and kisses.
On his walkabout there he met Martha Rossow one of many who complained that their names had been on the waiting list for far too long.
“I haven’t received a house, Mr President, and as you can see I am very old,” she said.
The president also visited visited 103-year-old Johanna Gorden, pointing out to her that she was only a few years younger than the ANC itself.
Mrs Gorden asked the president to assist with the payout of her late husband’s military pension before the two shared warm embrace.
At the Port Shepstone Taxi Rank, commuters, vendors and taxi drivers listened attentively as Mr Ramaphosa encouraged them to fill up Moses Mabhida Stadium this Saturday.
Mr Ramaphosa said he would then reveal his plans to take the country forward.
“We want to improve our economy, service delivery, create job opportunities and better our children’s education.”
Mr Ramaphosa also highlightes the ANC’s achievements over the past 20 years, saying people could now ‘touch and see’ the party’s work.
“The Lower South Coast Region has been placed top of the list across the country when it comes to delivery of houses.”
Commenting o the 2018 matric results, the president said he was happy with Ugu district’s performance.
“We are very pleased that this region was placed second highest in the province. This is a massive improvement on past years.”
Mr Ramaphosa wrapped up his day with an address at the Marburg Secondary school hall where he interacted with residents and supports.
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