African National Congress (ANC) chairperson Gwede Mantashe visited Cape Town on Saturday, hoping to boost the party's electoral chances in the city ahead of next month's local government elections. During his visit to Site B in Khayelitsha, Mantashe was confronted by angry residents who pointed to potholes and pools of stagnant water as evidence of service delivery problems. The ANC has been struggling to maintain its support in the city, with some residents expressing disillusionment with the party.
Residents of the BM-Section of Site B told Mantashe that they had become disenchanted with the ANC due to poor service delivery from their councillor, high crime rates, particularly extortion by gangsters, and a lack of jobs. Some residents said they had previously voted for the ANC but would not do so in the upcoming elections. Mphuthumo, a street vendor, expressed concerns about crime, stating that business owners were being forced to pay protection fees to gangsters.
ANC Cape Town Metro chairperson Ndithini Tyhido acknowledged the party's problems but said Mantashe's presence in Khayelitsha was intended to encourage the party's volunteers in their door-to-door campaign ahead of the elections. Tyhido emphasized the importance of engaging with voters and addressing their concerns. The ANC is facing stiff competition in Cape Town from the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
The visit by Mantashe comes as the ANC faces significant challenges in maintaining its support in key metros, including Cape Town. A recent survey showed a major shift in voter support, with the ANC's support dropping across traditional strongholds. The party is under pressure to regain the trust of voters and demonstrate its commitment to service delivery and addressing the needs of communities.
During his visit, Mantashe walked down one of Khayelitsha's busiest thoroughfares, greeting voters and listening to their concerns. He engaged with residents, including street vendors and community leaders, to understand the challenges they face. The ANC chairperson emphasized the importance of community engagement and participation in the electoral process.
The local government elections are scheduled to take place on November 4, and the ANC is pulling out all the stops to regain control of key cities, including Cape Town. The party has been working to address concerns around service delivery, crime, and job creation, and to demonstrate its commitment to improving the lives of citizens.
The outcome of the elections will have significant implications for the country's governance and the ANC's prospects for the future. The party's performance in Cape Town will be closely watched, as it seeks to maintain its position as the dominant party in South Africa. The elections will also provide an opportunity for voters to hold the ANC and other parties accountable for their actions and promises.
Key points
- ANC chair Gwede Mantashe visits Cape Town to boost party's electoral chances ahead of local government elections
- Residents express concerns about service delivery, crime, and job creation
- ANC faces significant challenges in maintaining support in key metros, including Cape Town
