VIDEO: Deputy President Mashatile accuses Western Cape government of neglecting poor communities
VIDEO: Deputy President Mashatile accuses Western Cape government of neglecting poor communities! African National Congress (ANC) Deputy President Paul Mashatile has criticized the Democratic Alliance (DA) for neglecting impoverished communities like Khayelitsha in the Western Cape. Mashatile’s remarks came during his visit to the province on Sunday, as part of preparations for the ANC’s upcoming 113th birthday celebrations.
ANC Prepares for 113th Anniversary
Mashatile’s visit sets the stage for the ANC’s 8 January statement, which will be delivered by party President Cyril Ramaphosa at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha next weekend. The event is part of the ANC’s annual tradition to outline its priorities and plans for the year ahead.
Speaking outside the Andrew Losaba Methodist Church in False Bay, where he attended a church service, Mashatile highlighted the party’s intention to connect directly with communities to understand their challenges.
“We will be visiting communities like Khayelitsha to hear firsthand about their service delivery problems,” said Mashatile.
Criticism of the DA-Led Provincial Government
Mashatile did not hold back in his critique of the DA, which governs the Western Cape, accusing the party of failing to address critical issues in areas like Khayelitsha.
“During the election campaign, I visited Khayelitsha with Deputy Minister of Human Settlements Tandi Mahambehlala and other leaders. There are high levels of unemployment, particularly among young people, and ongoing issues of crime. These concerns remain unresolved,” Mashatile said.
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African National Congress (ANC) Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, has accused the Democratic Alliance (DA) of neglecting poor areas like #Khayelitsha in the Western Cape. Vid: eNCA #PaulMashatile #ANC #January8 #WesternCape #DA @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/1yjk4WUwNp
— ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) January 6, 2025
He further pointed out that several informal settlements in the province have been devastated by fires in recent weeks, leaving many residents homeless.
Addressing Challenges in Khayelitsha
Mashatile commended Mahambehlala for her efforts to assist affected communities during the festive season.
“We want to ensure that the people of Khayelitsha, like others in the Western Cape, have access to a better life,” he said. “The ANC may not govern the Western Cape, but as national government, we will intervene. Ministers, deputy ministers, and other national representatives will work with these communities to tackle the challenges they face.”
Mashatile emphasized that the national government would step in where the provincial government has allegedly fallen short, ensuring that neglected areas receive the attention and resources they need.
The 8 January Statement: More Than a Rally
Mashatile stressed that the ANC’s annual 8 January celebrations are not merely symbolic but serve as an opportunity to address pressing issues facing South Africans.
“This is not just a rally where President Ramaphosa delivers a speech. It’s an event where we actively engage with communities to find solutions to their problems,” he said.
The ANC’s 8 January statement will be delivered at Khayelitsha’s Mandela Park Stadium. The event is expected to attract thousands of ANC supporters and serve as a platform for the party to outline its vision and priorities for the year.
Reviving the ANC in the Western Cape
While Mashatile denied that his visit to Khayelitsha was part of a campaign to reinvigorate the ANC in the DA-dominated province, his remarks hinted at a broader effort to re-establish the party’s presence.
“We are here to listen to the people, not to campaign,” he said. However, the ANC’s engagement with communities and its visible involvement in addressing local challenges may have long-term implications for the party’s political standing in the Western Cape.
Community Challenges in Focus
Khayelitsha, one of South Africa’s largest townships, faces numerous socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment, crime, and inadequate infrastructure. Fires in informal settlements have further exacerbated the plight of residents, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention.
Mashatile’s comments reflect the ANC’s commitment to addressing these issues, even in areas where the party does not hold power.
Conclusion
As the ANC prepares to celebrate its 113th anniversary, the party is using the occasion to reconnect with communities and address their grievances. Mashatile’s critique of the DA and his promise of national government support underscore the ANC’s determination to demonstrate its relevance and commitment to improving the lives of South Africans.
The 8 January event in Khayelitsha will likely serve as both a celebration of the ANC’s history and a platform to address the pressing issues facing communities in the Western Cape and beyond.
