In a recent engagement with residents of Hazyview in Mpumalanga, Nomvula Mokonyane, the Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), reassured the community that, despite past missteps, the party remains dedicated to improving their quality of life.
During her visit on January 10, 2024, as part of the ANC’s prelude to its upcoming birthday rally at Mbombela Stadium, Mokonyane addressed concerns raised by residents who expressed feelings of neglect by the ANC-led government. Grievances included grappling with elevated crime rates and inadequate service delivery.
Acknowledging the frustrations voiced by the residents, Mokonyane acknowledged the party’s errors during its tenure. She empathized with community members who felt disillusioned, especially considering the challenges they faced.
One resident, expressing his discontent, highlighted the apparent absence of politicians in the community outside of election periods. He appealed to the ANC to take corrective measures, saying, “Please ANC, please do the right thing. I love this party but do the right thing.”
The sentiment in Hazyview seems to reflect a loss of hope in the government’s ability to effect positive change. Despite voicing grievances about unmet promises, the community’s loyalty to the ANC remained evident.
Mokonyane addressed concerns about local ANC representatives, suggesting that some councilors were failing to communicate critical issues to the party’s headquarters at Luthuli House. She emphasized the importance of effective representation, stating, “If your representatives are not representing our people, let’s pack and go. We’re going to act because we can’t resolve issues if our leaders don’t raise issues and report.”
To further address the community’s concerns, Mokonyane scheduled a follow-up meeting for Sunday afternoon, providing residents with an opportunity to ventilate their issues and fostering a platform for constructive dialogue.