MPUMALANGA RESIDENTS VOWS TO VOTE FOR ANC IN APRIL
ANC President Jacob Zuma on Saturday (7 March 2009) welcomed the assurance by the Avalon residents in Middelburg to vote in the upcoming April general elections.
"It is important for you to vote so that the government can prioritise your needs after the election... By voting, you are actually creating an important link between you and the government," he said.
Zuma, who is on door to door election campaign in the township, met a number of families who told him about the challenging conditions under which they are living.
As many as four families shared one toilet and a majority of the young people were unemployed. Residents had also complained about poor road infrastructure as well as the lack running water.
The residents had prior to Zuma's visit, threatened to boycott the elections unless their service delivery demands were met.
ANC Youth league President Julius Malema, who accompanied Zuma during the visit, had assured the residents last year that they should register to vote as Zuma will personally come to address them.
Avalon community leader Daniel Komane told the ANC President that residents were now convinced that the only way their problems could be attended to was through ensuring that the ruling party won the election.
"The problems faced by the community were such that many had already concluded there was no longer any point in voting," Komane said.
Komane said the residents were encouraged by the movement, particularly Zuma's decision to come and hear them out.
More than 2000 residents come out to welcome Zuma as the ANC President's convoy arrived in the areas.
Zuma said the more than 8000 residents living in the area had to ensure that they cast their votes to give the ANC the necessary mandate to implement its manifesto aimed at improving the quality of their lives.
"Voting is a stepping stone towards improved services such as running water, sanitation and many other services you are talking about. My arrival here today shows that the ANC is serious about addressing your challenges."
Zuma's will wrap up his first part of the visit by addressing local business people as well as young professionals before addressing a rally in Umhluzi stadium.
Tomorrow the ANC President will continue with his door to door tour before addressing a rally at Kwaggafontein stadium.
Statement issued by the African National Congress March 7 2009
