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DA federal chairperson Helen Zille has called ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile’s claims that the DA-led Western Cape government neglects poor areas like Khayelitsha “Bullsh*t”.
Mashatile made the claims during the ANC’s 113th birthday celebrations roadshow to ‘restore hope among residents and work with the community to address their challenges’. During a visit to Khayelitsha, Mashatile accused the DA of neglecting residents in the area.
Never one to mince words, Helen wasn’t having it, saying “The DA government does more for the people in Khayelitsha than in Camps Bay.”
“The people of Camps Bay turned Camps Bay into Camps Bay. The city provides services there, but they are not free, as they are in Khayelitsha. What a government is supposed to do the DA government does in Khayelitsha.”
Zille further said that wards in Khayelitsha are mostly run by ANC councillors, but emphasised the DA government provides essential services to the people.
“All the wards are serviced by ANC councillors. But apart from that, people arrive from the Eastern Cape with nothing and often build shelters on invaded land. The DA government does what the constitution requires. We deliver services better than any other city. By far.”
Bullshit. The DA government does more for the people in Khayelitsha than in Camps Bay.
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) January 6, 2025
While living conditions in poor areas remain stubbornly horrific, DA Western Cape premier Alan Winde recently highlighted the province’s success, particularly in creating jobs.
“The Western Cape has seen more than a decade of good governance since the DA was elected to government in 2009. In the last decade, we have created more than 500,000 jobs, which is why we have the lowest real unemployment rate in South Africa.”
Helen seems not to be the only one getting tired of the ANC’s attempts to convince everyone they still have something to offer. ANC officials visiting a community yesterday were unceremoniously chased out of a home. Claiming to be the homeowner, the man busted in on the ANC bigshots, telling them to “Leave! Leave Leave! You cannot push me in my mother’s house. You must leave! All of you!”
@newzroom405[WATCH] Scuffle breaks out as ANC members embark on a campaign in Khayelitsha ahead of their January 8 Statement. Tune into #Newzroom405 for more.♬ original sound – @Newzroom405
Bodyguards eventually rocked up as well and grabbed at the man in an attempt to calm him down, but he told them to f-off as well. Poor Mashatile eventually had to apologise to the family for how his security detail handled the matter.
“Leave! Leave Leave!” and “Bullsh*t” seem like a perfectly reasonable way to interact with some politicians. Especially those who blue-light into impoverished communities where they will never set foot unless it’s for votes or a photo opportunity.
If politicians are that keen to improve the lives of the thousands of people living in poverty, why not have all MPs live in their local township for a month each year? Really get in there and meet the voting fodder.
