FREEDOM PARK, GAUTENG — As the African National Congress (ANC) intensifies its campaign ahead of the November 4 local government elections, voter frustrations over jobs, housing, and basic services have taken center stage. During a recent grassroots engagement in Freedom Park, ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe confronted these mounting concerns directly, even as the ruling party works to shore up its support in traditionally strong wards.
Door-to-door canvassing in the area revealed deep-seated anxieties among residents. While some remain undecided about whether they will cast a ballot, the most pressing issues cited include prolonged waits for housing, high unemployment, and deteriorating basic services. Community members specifically highlighted crime, illegal dumping, and persistent water and electricity outages as daily challenges. Furthermore, residents expressed concern over a lack of youth participation and adequate sports facilities, alongside rising drug usage in the neighborhood.
Despite these grassroots challenges and criticism surrounding the party’s delayed candidate list, Gwede Mantashe remained steadfast in his confidence regarding the ANC’s electoral prospects. Acknowledging that party members might be worried about losing their historical lead in key metropolitan areas, he asserted a clear message of victory, stating the party is fighting back to secure its position as number one in the province and the country.
Mantashe also defended the party’s position on electoral administration, pushing back against registration hurdles. He noted that if 45 parties have issues with the registration system, it indicates a systemic flaw rather than an isolated incident. “There’s no new party. Every party that contests an election is a party contesting elections,” he stated, emphasizing that the current system is simply not friendly to participating bodies.
Addressing the critical issue of joblessness, Mantashe acknowledged that unemployment remains a severe challenge the ANC must confront. However, he advised young job seekers to broaden their horizons beyond public service employment. Drawing on his personal history as a mine worker, he urged the younger generation to consider opportunities in the private sector, including factories and mines. He cautioned against the modern preference for exclusively white-collar roles, remarking that “work that looks dirty pays more.”
Following the door-to-door engagements, the campaign shifted to a public meeting where Mantashe encouraged civic participation and urged residents to vote. For the community, this campaign trail served as a vital platform to voice their frustrations directly to political leadership, demanding clear answers on when long-standing promises regarding housing and basic service delivery will finally become a reality.
