Simphiwe Ntlanganisi, one of the EFFs, was wearing a red beret with a yellow ANC T-shirt.
The minister was bemused and laughed saying, "I have never seen a spectacle like this in my life. He must be very confused, or the EFF supporters are on their way back to the ANC."
As part of the ANC's concerted campaign to regain control of the Western Cape, the National Executive Committee (NEC) deployed Aaron Motsoaledi (minister of health), Tina Joemat-Peterson (minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries), Collins Chabane (minister) and Obed Bapela (deputy minister) in the presidency: performance, monitoring and evaluation to the Southern Cape last weekend.
They met with the ANC regional election structures to assess the state of readiness, conduct door-to-door campaigns and interact with the electorate regarding the ANC election manifesto.
On Saturday Motsoaledi did door-to-door campaigning in Thembahlethu and then addressed a packed Thembalethu High School hall in the afternoon. Early Sunday morning he interacted with the residents of Borcherds and then attended a church service in Thembalethu.
During the canvassing the issues raised were: a lack of work, a shortage of housing, water and electricity. The rubbish that is lying around and the lack of drainage were also concerns. In Borcherds the high crime rate was raised repeatedly and the known 'tik houses' that operate openly in the community. The minister said, "No one raised problems regarding my department (health). Jobs and housing are the issues in George."
The NEC members were optimistic about the readiness of the region, but stressed that for the next 76 days they will have to work very hard. Motsoaledi said the ANC can win back the Western Cape. "We started our journey 20 years ago and need another 5 year term to deliver the quality services promised. The ANC has achieved wonders, but we are lacking in certain areas. The voters will give us the mandate to continue bettering the lives of the poor."
When asked why the ANC virtually ignored some of the 'frontier' wards like Pacaltsdorp, Conville and Parkdene concentrating heavily on Thembalethu, Putco Mapitiza, the Southern Cape regional secretary, acknowledged the point and said, "This will be addressed soon as it is a weakness in our campaign." Mapitiza thanked the volunteers for coming forward in such large numbers. "This bodes well for the election."
A full Thembalethu hall listening to Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi. Photo: Siphokazi Kraai
ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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