ANC, EFF tell residents of plans to unseat DA at local government polls

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa told party supporters during a community meeting in Mfuleni that there was no hope in the country without the ANC, whether people liked it or not.

The EFF meanwhile, led by Julius Malema, told Kayamandi residents in Stellenbosch that the EFF would bring change to the community in terms of service delivery and development around Kayamandi.

The parties are in the Western Cape this weekend as part of their election campaigns to narrow the DA’s dominance in the province after the November 1 elections.

Ramaphosa kicked off his campaign in Mamre, Atlantis before engaging in community meetings in Mfuleni, Khayelitsha and Rylands.

He told residents that the ANC had embarked on a journey of renewal and rebuilding itself, so that it could return to its former glory of serving the people.

The ANC would prove the DA wrong during the elections, said Ramaphosa.

“Our people have made it clear that they love the ANC but they want us to fix the ANC and be the ANC everybody knows, that works for the people.

“We are in the process of renewing ourselves. Yes, we have made mistakes here and there but we have learnt from our mistakes, our people still have confidence in us. People said that they don’t want the ANC to die because it is their last hope.

“We are committed to work for our communities and that is why the candidates are elected by the people, not us.

“All we do is to support them. People must come out in numbers to support the ANC, we know the struggle of our people. As you can see, we are not in charge of this metro and that is why there are a lot of problems,” he said.

Resident Athandile Mlambo said the DA only cared about people who were not in poverty.

“The living conditions for people in the townships and Cape Flats are unbearable and you can see it without being told.

“The ANC has similar problems in areas they govern, so what difference will they bring in the province if they can’t bring change in their areas?” Mlambo asked.

In Stellenbosch, Malema said the EFF would change the area into a better place for all.

“Stellenbosch is a racist town. It’s a racist town and we want to change it for a better place for all ... whether you are white, coloured, black or Indian.

“We don’t have a problem with white people, we have a problem with white supremacy and white arrogance,” Malema said.

He added that people who lived without basic services such as water, sanitation and electricity were treated like “animals”.

Malema said Stellenbosch belonged to the EFF.

About 300 residents gathered on the Luyolo sportsfield, patiently waiting for Malema.

Resident Zukisa Xegwana said he believed that the EFF would bring change to the community in terms of service delivery and development around Kayamandi.

“The EFF will bring black people back together. And by that I mean black, coloured, Indian … we are all one.

“Our community needs unity and jobs. We need to stand together to bring changes to our communities, not division as the DA has done,” said Xegwana.