Ramaphosa campaigns in Polokwane as supporters call for jobs

POLOKWANE – Supporters who filled the streets of Polokwane’s central business district ahead of the ANC’s Provincial Siyanqoba Rally on Saturday (October 31) said they wanted more jobs and better service delivery.

Thousands of ANC supporters gathered at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium for the party’s final major mobilisation rally in Limpopo ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections.

Among the crowds were unemployed young people, mothers dressed in ANC Women’s League regalia and supporters in party colours. Some told Review Online they hoped President Cyril Ramaphosa would address concerns over unemployment, housing, water and electricity.

Addressing the rally, Ramaphosa described the November 4 local government elections as crucial for the future of municipalities and urged ANC members not to assume voters would automatically support the party.

“We must never take it for granted that our people will come out and vote. We must make sure that they do come out,” he said.

Ramaphosa said improving basic service delivery remained a key priority.

“This is an election about ensuring that we improve service delivery. This is an election through which we must make sure that water is delivered to our people, that the lights in the streets of our towns and cities do work, that refuse is collected,” he said.

He also said municipalities should become centres of investment to create jobs while continuing to provide free basic services to qualifying households.

On unemployment, Ramaphosa said the ANC had heard communities’ concerns during its election campaign.

“We have heard them speak also about unemployment.

Too many young people wake up every day with no work to go to.

“The foremost task of the African National Congress is to change this,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the party aimed to create employment opportunities for both young people and older job seekers.

The rally marked the ANC’s final major campaign event in Limpopo before voters head to the polls on Wednesday.

Koketšo Sekhwela 1 minute read Facebook X LinkedIn Tumblr Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Share via Email Print Support local journalism Add The Citizen as a preferred source to see more from Review in Google News and Top Stories.