ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema encouraged his supporters to ask ANC leaders questions during campaigning in Alexandra, Johannesburg on Sunday.
“Today, we are not going to talk, we want the people of Stjwetla and Jukskei... We want ordinary people to tell us what they need,” he told the crowd, before allowing about 10 to 15 people to ask questions.
Following a door-to-door visit in the area last week, feedback suggested no ANC leaders had visited the area, he said, adding that Sunday's campaign was unplanned.
Resident Johanna Moabi commented: “This is not a place for people. I live with my parents and children in one room. At night I have to walk home in the dark because there are no streetlights and I am afraid of being mugged. I want to know what you are going to do to help.”
Another resident complained: “We are crying here in Stjwetla. Last year April I called premier Tokyo's Housing Minister Tokyo Sexwale's office and I spoke to this man called Maxwel Khoza, and to this day they have done nothing. I still live in a shack. Where is my house?”
“I came here with proof of registration for my RDP house. This paper is proof that we are crying here. We are asking for help. Help us so we too can live like people.”
Resident Oscar Modungwa said: “This place is like a pigsty. You'd swear pigs live here.”
Another resident added she had been voting ANC “forever”, but had not been “getting anything” out of it. She had reached the point where one would see her wearing a Democratic Alliance t-shirt on TV.
Sexwale and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane were also present. They and Malema were expected to respond to the crowd later on Sunday. Residents have demanded answers to their questions within seven days.
Earlier a branded ANC helicopter circled over Stjwetla township. Thousands of party supporters had gathered on the banks of the Jukskei River singing struggle songs, including Dubula Ibhunu (shoot the boer) and President Jacob Zuma's “signature” Awulethu' Mshini Wami (bring me my machine gun).
They were also heard chanting “kill the boer” in English.
The tent in which Malema spoke was heavily guarded by police officers. People carried posters depicting President Jacob Zuma's face and the “vote ANC” slogan.
The gathering is part of the ANC's campaign ahead of the May 18 local government elections. - Sapa