PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa was on a charm offensive in Northern Cape as he embarked on a walkabout to several communities during the Letsema Campaign, reassuring residents that his administration was focused on addressing their pressing daily challenges, including service delivery and social inclusion.
The campaign is part of the ANC’s drive to address the power crisis, unemployment and poor service delivery.
During his walkabout in Kimberley, Northern Cape, a jovial Ramaphosa spoke to residents, listening attentively to their complaints and making promises to resolve them in due course.
The community of Kimberley is plagued by various service delivery issues, including sewage spills, potholes and water cuts.
Street lights are also not working due to cable theft.
“I am working to the best of my ability to address the challenges that our country faces,” said Ramaphosa.
“We are getting ready. We are working towards the 2024 elections and part of the whole process of Letsema as we revive our branches is to make sure that they are ready for battle in 2024. We are confident that we are going to be successful, and we are confident that the confidence of the people will be restored to the African National Congress.”
Ramaphosa also visited the home of Ouma Martha Louw in Donkerhoek where he celebrated her 82nd birthday with her as well as the officially handing over of her new RDP home.
The president also arrived at the Tommy Morebudi Sports Complex where he planted a tree in honour of Morebudi. He was joined by ANC provincial chairperson, Zamani Saul.
ANC branches in Northern Cape expressed their support for Ramaphosa’s bid for a second term.
Saul also reiterated the Northern Cape’s call for a second term for Ramaphosa.
“We are going to ensure that we implement the decision that Cyril Ramaphosa will get a second term,” said Saul.
Continuing his charm offensive on Sunday, Ramaphosa attended a branch meeting in Chiawelo, Soweto.
The branch in Chiawelo also nominated Ramaphosa for a second term as ANC president.
Ramaphosa has already received endorsements from several provincial structures.
He is facing a challenge from former health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize and COGTA minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma with the former being endorsed by the leadership of his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.
The ANC has extended the process of branches nominating delegates for leadership positions by more than three weeks owing to ongoing rolling blackouts and flawed internal systems such as malfunctioning scanners.
The process was initially expected to conclude on 2 October but has since been moved to the 25th.
Last month, Ramaphosa was in Nkowankowa Stadium outside Tzaneen in Limpopo as part of the Letsema Campaign to listen to the people’s concerns regarding service delivery.
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