Fransman campaigns with Zuma

Published Jul 22, 2016

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WHILE Marius Fransman awaits a decision over whether he will face ANC disciplinary charges for sexual harassment, he was on the campaign trail alongside President Jacob Zuma yesterday as the party seeks to shore up its support ahead of the local government polls.

ANC national executive committee member Nomvula Mokonyane declared yesterday that Fransman was back on the job after he was asked in February to “step aside”.

Yesterday, Zuma visited the Siyahlala (We are Staying) informal settlement, where he went on door-to-door visits at several shacks alongside Fransman.

Fransman is facing a criminal probe by Northern Cape police over a complaint from Louisa Wynand that he sexually harassed her while in a car on their way to the ANC’s birthday celebrations in January.

Wynand’s spokesperson, Gavin Prins, said a statement would be released in the next few days over the ANC’s decision to lift Fransman’s suspension.

Leaning against a car while Zuma was in the shack next door, Noluvo Quku, 18, said she hoped her vote would bring change to informal settlements.

“I want to vote so that people whose homes are flooded during the winter rains are assisted. They should be moved to better areas.”

She was still unsure about her choice at the ballot box, saying: “Zuma has the power, he must help us.”

Thembelani Mayongo, 39, a shack dweller who has been active in his community, said although he was registered to vote, he was not sure whether he would cast his ballot.

“In 2014, I voted for the ANC, but now with the way things have gone I don’t know if I can vote for the ANC.”

Some residents in Ward 50, which includes Siyahlahla, are still angry at the ANC’s choice of ward councillor for the area.

When Zuma climbed on the back of a truck to address a crowd estimated by police to be 2 500, he was greeted by placards from a few angry residents demanding Thembinkosi Pupa “or no votes”.

But Zuma made no mention of the protesters and instead launched an attack on the DA, saying the party was 
the offspring of the National Party.

In Khayelitsha, Zuma was greeted by an even bigger crowd of about 4 000 people near the Site C Taxi rank.

Watching him, Nomzuza Nyakisa, 21, said she had not voted in 2014 but would vote for the ANC this time round.

Unemployed Nyakisa finished high school last year and says the informal 
settlement where she stays (TR Section) needs improved sanitation and streets.

“We still have bucket toilets,” said Nyakisa.

Zuma pointed out the stark divide between rich and poor people in Cape Town.

Zuma said: “In the Western Cape people are suffering.

"We have two cities here, one for people with nice houses and another for people who live in shacks.

“We can’t allow the offspring of the National Party to rule here”.

Zuma and the ANC 
delegation also had lunch with the Muslim Judicial Council.

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