The residents of the Vaal were expressing their views at the District Development Presidential Imbizo led by President Mr Ramaphosa at the Sharpeville cricket grounds in the Vaal on Friday 12th of August. Some of the Community members  were denied access, because they did not have accreditations.

They were however given a platform nonetheless to express their concerns. One of the key factors that residents complained about was lack of housing, poor service delivery and unemployment, which is at the rate of 64%. It is mostly affecting the youth countrywide.

The President Mr Ramaphosa promised the residents that 170 000 jobs will be created over the next few years.  That is a serious number of jobs that will be created right here in Sedibeng,” he said.

Concerning housing, Mr Ramaphosa said the Human Settlements Department – which has some seven mega projects in the area will look into complaints heard from people living in shacks and hostels around the Vaal.

The President was firm with his assessment of service delivery not only in the Sedibeng District but in local municipalities throughout the country as well.

The President assured the community that their issues would not be put on the back burner at the end of the launch and said the DDM approach assures that these challenges are properly addressed.

He further told the ministers who were present that they should see to it that every promises they have made to the residents of the Vaal are fulfilled. Some of the ministers who were present are Minister Naledi Pandor of basic education, Premier Mr D Makhura to mention but few.

Report by: Cornelius D. Mofokeng.