Picture: (President Jacob Zuma addressing ANC members in Taung)

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma promised improved service delivery to thousands of ANC supporters who gathered for the ruling party’s provincial manifesto launch in Taung yesterday.

  More than 30 000 people filled up Taung sports ground to listen to their provincial and national leaders. Besides President Zuma, the ANC also deployed its national treasurer, Zweli Mkhize and NEC member, Humphrey Memezi. Party provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo led several activities in and around Taung before the rally and was on hand to drum up support for the ANC.

  In his address, President Zuma said that South Africa celebrates 20 years since the adoption of the constitution in May 1996, a document he said enjoins all people to build local government that has capacity to deliver.

  “We will provide democratic and accountable government for local communities. We will also ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner. The ANC will also promote social and economic development. We will also promote a safe and healthy environment.

 “We will also encourage involvement of communities and community organisations on matters of local government. We have also ensured that those deployed in municipalities are capacitated and have the requisite skills to do with their work,” he said.

  Zuma added that all ANC councilors will be recalled if they fail to deliver their mandate. He said they encourage the communities to hold councilors accountable and report their concerns.

  “We have prioritised the necessary measures to empower the youth. We will also come up with major plans to create job opportunities amongst the youth. So the local government is in your hands. Together we can build better communities.

  “The ANC also encourage the municipalities to deal with illegal corporations. We will assist our people especially in rural areas to access lands for farming. We also urge the farmers to treat our people with dignity and integrity. Their lives need to improve and see positive changes within their lives,” he said.

  Zuma also indicated that the ANC will engage with traditional leaders, private sectors and all stakeholders in quest to improve the lives of the people. He said they will install wi-fi in villages that will benefit the youth. 

  The president discouraged municipalities from outsourcing basic services to consultants.

“ANC will promote and encourage dialogue in social-economic issues. We will also strengthen the working relationship with private sectors and all shareholders. Municipalities play a key role in economic dimension. We will make sure that our people receive medical attention. Improve treatment are also provided by clinics for diseases like TB, HIV and other chronic diseases.

  “In five years time we will improve the healthcare basics. We will also build more clinics and provide shelter to four million households. We will continue to further improve the basic services to informal settlements residents. The party will also improve roads and ageing infrastructures,” he said.

ANC alliance partners were in full force. Cosatu provincial chairperson, Solly Lekhu said: “We support the manifesto launch and we believe ANC will continue to lead. We want the party to minimise in-fights and also fight corruption. Service delivery is derailed by those issues.”

  Sanco provincial secretary, Packett Seaketso shared the same sentiments. “We still have water challenges, sanitation and poor service delivery. We want the party to focus on those issues. Let’s us intensify service delivery and go back to basics.”

-TDN

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