President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the R44 million spent on four imbizos in the last eight months, labeling it as “money well spent” despite backlash and a complaint from the civil society group #NotInMyName to the public protector. At the first imbizo of his second term in Ekurhuleni, Ramaphosa acknowledged the high cost but underscored the importance of these meetings for engaging with the public.
Attendees, including government ministers and provincial leaders, raised concerns about persistent problems such as inadequate water supply, housing shortages, and electricity issues. One resident’s plea for stable home ownership highlighted the widespread frustration.
The meeting also addressed safety concerns related to school transportation, with a parent noting the rise in accidents involving children.
Ekurhuleni’s new mayor, who took office in April, acknowledged these issues and vowed to focus on improving service delivery, enhancing financial management, and promoting ethical leadership, especially in areas like Tsakane where recent protests have emphasized the critical need for better infrastructure.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina assured that efforts are being made to address water supply challenges, including the development of a new water pumping station in Ekurhuleni, which represents a major step forward.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi pledged to focus on reducing unemployment and expanding free Wi-Fi access throughout the province’s townships. “Our objective is to ensure that all 26 townships receive reliable, free Wi-Fi with the support of MTN and Huawei,” he said.
Lesufi stressed the importance of this initiative for educational and job-seeking purposes, stating that free Wi-Fi would allow students from low-income families to complete their homework and help job seekers send their resumes. “In today’s world, data access is as essential as water and electricity,” he added.
To combat unemployment, President Ramaphosa outlined plans to create formal market spaces in townships, which will aid small businesses in trading more effectively.