No water, no power: NW residents' daily struggles in face of ANC's 114th anniversary

A lack of service delivery and development in the rural area of Phatsima, in the North West, sees some elderly women breaking their backs to fetch water.

Some long-time residents said development has skipped the area, as they still live without tap water and electricity in their homes.

Not too far from Phatsima, the African National Congress (ANC)’s top brass celebrated its 114th anniversary in a province which still overwhelmingly supports the party.

Eyewitness News met Elizabeth Tebeli (66) who was busy cooking dinner over a three-legged pot  using firewood.

This is how she has cooked her entire life because her home has no electricity. Tebeli also doesn't have running water, meaning she has to walk about five kilometres to fetch it.

"I can’t carry 20 litres anymore, so I have to take a small bucket and keep going back and forth until I have enough water. There is nothing else I can do, I don’t have a choice," she said.

Another resident, Salamina Letlape, said it's getting more difficult to fetch water as she got older.

"I have to carry my child and go fetch the water using a wheelbarrow. Yes, I do get tired but what can I do?"

The residents said they were hoping ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa would visit the area to see firsthand the daily challenges they face.