Industrialization, the removal of age limits for employment, increased social grants and the removal of burden relief are priorities for the African National Congress (ANC).
This was said by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula on Sunday at a Siyankoba strengthening rally on Enoch Mgi Island in Komani, Eastern Cape.
Mr Mbalula acknowledged the disparity in service delivery but encouraged thousands of residents to continue voting for the ANC.
“We will create 2.5 million jobs in South Africa. The ANC will now do that. When people leave school they are expected to gain experience, but we have stopped that and the government But we started it. The jobs we create are not limited to 35 years.”
Young people shared a range of emotions after Mbalula's speech.
“In terms of the promises that the ANC has made for over 30 years, I don't think they have been able to deliver on those promises. After 30 years they have not been able to fulfill those promises, so why should we? “Do you believe that promise now?” says Prince White.
“We are no longer 35 years old. This age does not prevent anyone from being employed. We are grateful and they will build factories. This will lead to high unemployment. It means that there will be a change in rates. I hope they will continue to deliver on these promises after the election,” Abiwe Gutitsana added.
Some locals who attended the rally say they still have hope that the party can address many of the region's challenges, including water supply.
“We are facing a water problem and we have no water at all. We started working on the water challenge from 2022 and we are here today, but in the sense that we are leaving this party because of water. There are so many tangible things that it has brought to us,” says the resident.
Mr Mbalula also welcomed 100 members, said to be from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Elections 2024 | ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula campaigns in Komani:
