In a lively assembly at Tsakane Stadium, Ekurhuleni residents engaged directly with President Cyril Ramaphosa and various ministers during the Presidential Imbizo held on August 23, 2024. The event served as a vital platform for addressing community grievances and strengthening government-citizen connections.
President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the significance of the Imbizo, saying, “Imbizo is about the government listening. Listening to the grievances, views, and inputs of the community.” He assured Ekurhuleni residents that their concerns would be addressed, particularly emphasizing the area’s role as a major transportation and manufacturing hub.
On employment, Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala affirmed that job creation is a government priority under President Ramaphosa’s leadership, aiming to foster sustainable jobs and business enterprises. “We want to create jobs that impact service delivery and are sustainable,” he said.
The Imbizo also spotlighted waste management initiatives, including the “one township, one recycling facility” concept and localized projects like pothole repair and brick paving. “We believe that if we localize these efforts, we will create more jobs and ensure that beneficiaries receive skills training,” Sihle Zikalala stated.
Residents voiced various concerns, including high living costs and unemployment. Mike Shezi, a pensioner, urged, “We want the president to increase our SASSA grants. The cost of living is very high. What we are getting is just not enough.” In response, President Ramaphosa encouraged small business growth, stating, “We will create markets where all those who can create will be able to sell.”
Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina addressed water issues caused by leaks, urging residents to assist in resolving the problem. “Water is running down roads, even damaging roads. Residents need to help the municipality to attend to these leaks and save water,” she advised.
Concerns about crime were also raised, with Gauteng identified as having some of the highest crime rates. The government pledged to address crime hotspots, with plans to improve safety in areas like Tsakani.
Thandi Mahambehlala, from the Human Settlements Department, detailed upcoming reblocking projects in Ekurhuleni’s informal settlements, including umSholozi, Madela Kufa, and Pollak Park. She acknowledged the challenge of issuing title deeds, noting, “We are busy with the process of cleaning the list so that we can issue title deeds to the right people.”
Finally, in response to complaints about high electricity prices, Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa promised that qualifying households would receive free basic electricity. “We will talk to municipalities to ensure that pensioners, unemployed people, and those dependent on grants receive free electricity,” he confirmed.
The Presidential Imbizo exemplified the government’s commitment to addressing community issues and working closely with residents to enhance service delivery and quality of life.
By Sibongile Sokela
