VOSLOORUS, Gauteng — ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile led a comprehensive door-to-door campaign in Vosloorus, engaging directly with residents to strengthen voter support for the upcoming November 4 elections. The visit underscored the party’s focus on grassroots mobilization, addressing local service delivery challenges, and reaffirming community ties ahead of the critical voting period.
During the visit, Mashatile emphasized the importance of sustained door-to-door work by both national and local leaders. He noted that the campaign team had identified specific households requiring attention. Issues raised by residents included resolved electricity problems, support for the elderly receiving pensions, and assistance for a young resident with a promising app development project.
“We always take notes when we get into houses so that we can assist these people,” Mashatile explained. He added that ward councilors and regional leaders will continue to interface with the community to ensure ongoing support after the national delegation departs.
Following the Vosloorus canvassing, the Deputy President was scheduled to travel to Katlehong. The purpose of this subsequent visit was to pay respects and offer support to families who lost members in a shooting incident that occurred the previous day.
Addressing voter sentiment, Mashatile expressed confidence in the party’s reception on the ground. He acknowledged that while the African National Congress (ANC) does not hide the truth regarding existing challenges, the commitment to improving service delivery remains a top priority.
“Many of the people here said they’ve been voting for their entire life and they are not going to change,” he stated. He highlighted a conversation with an elderly resident who told him, “Please make sure that you fix the problem, but I will remain in the ANC.”
During a subsequent press briefing, Mashatile fielded questions regarding the party’s public perception and internal conduct. When asked if the ANC’s message was resonating with the public and if the party was overcoming perceptions of arrogance—an issue previously noted in the Secretary-General’s diagnostic report—Mashatile insisted the message is well received. He noted that while some voters might stay home on election day, the overall sentiment remains highly positive.
Reporters also raised concerns about a recent incident involving National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe at a recent COSATU congress, where his invocation of speaking protocols was criticized by some as arrogant and potentially discouraging to voters.
Mashatile declined to comment extensively on the matter, stating he had only seen newspaper reports and was awaiting a full, proper report on the incident before making a judgment. He concluded the briefing by reiterating that the ANC strives to remain a humble organization dedicated to serving the people.
