ANC accuses DA-led Western Cape govt of neglecting poor communities

CAPE TOWN - The African National Congress (ANC) has accused the Democratic-Alliance (DA)-led Western Cape government of neglecting poor communities that have voted for the ANC traditionally.

Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said it had been a deliberate decision to take this year’s birthday celebrations to its provincial stronghold of Khayelitsha. 

He said this week’s anniversary activities are aimed at listening to the concerns of marginalised communities.

READ: January 8 statement: What to expect as ANC marks its 113th anniversary

The ANC said it’s fitting to bring this year’s birthday celebrations to a province from which many liberation heroes have hailed. 

But Mbalula said the Western Cape is still beset by apartheid’s legacy of inequality. 

“We know that the Western Cape government has forgotten you. In fact, it’s not forgotten you, it’s abandoned you.”

After its worst electoral defeat in the province since 1994, Mbalula said it’s time to reconnect with the people of the Western Cape. 

“Up until the ANC’s in power and pursues the transformation agenda of ensuring that we bring about a better life for all our people in terms of our policies, we will never abandon you.”

Mbalula expects at least 22, 000 people to turn up to hear the January 8 statement in which the party will chart its priorities for the year ahead.