Johnathan Paoli
African National Congress (ANC) Gauteng chairperson and Premier Panyaza Lesufi has rejected claims by opposition parties that the ruling party was using government initiatives as a means to garner electoral support ahead of the upcoming elections next month.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ANC’s campaign at the Anglican Church in Kagiso, in Mogale City on Sunday; Premier Lesufi said despite criticism from the opposition, the ANC-led government would continue with its efforts to combat unemployment within the province.
“What must we do when everyone’s complaining about unemployment? Should we fold our arms? What must we do when everyone is complaining about e-tolls? Should we fold our arms?” Lesufi said.
He confirmed that thus far the Nasi Ispani initiative has employed over 90 000 people, and said that those who have directly benefited from the programs would be the most credible voices to speak on their effectiveness rather than himself or others.
Lesufi’s response came amid criticism from many who have labeled the Gauteng Provincial Government’s recent programmes as a ploy aimed at enticing unaware voters to support the ruling party in the province.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has called the programme a “criminal activity”, and said this was a means for Lesufi to hire campaigners for the ANC.
ActionSA’s Gauteng premier candidate, Funzi Ngobeni, said they wanted to prevent Lesufi and the Gauteng ANC from “abusing” the government programme to only hire ANC cadres.
Ngobeni said that his party had repeatedly warned Lesufi against what he described as “desperate measures” aimed at exploiting the plight of millions of young people for his political gain.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen told his supporters that the party intended to file a complaint with the Public Protector against President Cyril Ramaphosa, concerning the pledge to create 500 000 jobs, allegedly funded by taxpayers’ money rather than ANC funds.
“It is just the latest scheme to try to manipulate voters into thinking they are going to do something about unemployment. But I can tell you that the day after the elections, just like the 100 000 houses promised in Alexandria in the last elections, those jobs will disappear,” Steenhuisen said.
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