Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma let down hundreds of Langa residents who had waited to meet him during a scheduled visit as part of the run-up to the ANC’s 103rd birthday celebrations.
On Monday residents from Langa, Nyanga, Gugulethu and Bonteheuwel gathered at the Isilimela Comprehensive School hall in Langa, after widespread announcements the president would be there. By 4pm there were rumours that Zuma was unable to attend but would send his deputy, Cyril Ramaphosa. But by 5pm neither had arrived.
Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor and Western Cape ANC chairman Marius Fransman arrived earlier to the disappointment of waiting residents.
Luthando Mlitqalwa, 34, said he had waited since 1pm and was hoping to see Zuma. “We are waiting for four hours and we are hungry, but he still hasn’t arrived.”
He added that he was disappointed with Zuma because their living conditions were still the same. “I’m not happy with the way we are living. Most people here are unemployed and many live in shacks.”
He added Zuma had promised to build houses and create jobs. “We are disappointed with our living conditions and we were hoping to at least see Zuma today.”
Some residents, who were wearing ANC T-shirts handed to them, sang and danced in the parking lot while others waited inside the school hall.
Agitated residents started asking when Zuma would be arriving. “This is not right. I’ve been here since 10am. He thinks that South Africa is moving forward, but he can’t even come to a meeting,” said one.
Zuma is expected to visit several communities as part of the the build up to the ANC 103rd anniversary celebrations that take place at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Cape Argus