By OBAKENG MAJE
ANC warned its councillor candidates that they will be removed through ‘step-a-side’ policy if they are found to be involved in any corrupt activities. This was re-iterated by the ruling party’s Treasurer General, Paul Mashatile who addressed ANC councillor candidates during a door-to-door campaign in Taung recently.
“Please, make sure that the public money is spent on the service needed. Ensure that you deal decisively with corruption, mismanagement, waste, and underperformance. We urge you to ensure that all ANC-led municipalities are run ethically by capable leaders, managers, and workers.
“You must know that your priorities as councillors are based on the ANC’s manifesto. Please, move away from swinging tenders into your favours. The councillor candidates are men and women of integrity and if ever you’re involved in any corrupt activities, you will be charged and the ANC will implement a step-aside policy. We need to renew ourselves and represent our people,” he said.
Mashatile said the ANC will also urgently finalise the social compact between the social partners to achieve the country’s fundamental social transformation to reduce and eradicate the plague of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
“Comrades, in most sincerely, I really want to thank you for the job well done. It is not an easy task to do door-to-door because sometimes the reception is not conducive. Some voters chase you away, but you remain humble.
“We entered a certain house here and the woman told us that she is supporting a political party with red colours. We thanked her and left in harmony because we are not here to fight anybody,” he said.
However, Mashatile said what ‘makes’ him happy is that they were welcomed in most households. He said people still love the ANC and urged the ruling party’s volunteers to listen to their plea.
“People still love the ANC and I urge you to be patient when they raise their concerns. We have heard that in this area, there is a lack of provision of water. However, we have the North West Premier, Bushy Maape here and MECs who will address those challenges.
“Our people also raised challenges such as provision of RDP houses, lack of electricity, water and accessible roads. We are pleased to have ground forces like you because this is how we will build a strong movement that will not be defeated,” said Mashatile.
He further said ANC volunteers should campaign every day as there are fewer days left before voters go to the polls on 1 November 2021.
“Remember, we only have 14 days before we go to the polls. So, it is important that we campaign every day. You need to divide yourselves according to streets and use street/sectional committee strategy.
“This strategy will ensure that we are attached to our voters. Even on Election Day, we will know who is going to vote for us. Please, be wary that you are not supposed to campaign on Election Day, but you can still remind those voters to go and cast their votes,” he said.
However, Mashatile highlighted that party volunteers are allowed to wear their t-shirts and have tables at voting stations.
The Guardian 