There were mixed reactions to President Jacob Zuma’s visit to Makana to receive the Freedom of the City of Grahamstown from the Makana Municipality on Wednesday.
There were mixed reactions to President Jacob Zuma’s visit to Makana to receive the Freedom of the City of Grahamstown from the Makana Municipality on Wednesday.
Many welcomed the president's visit, but some remained sceptical. One resident, Nomaphelo Soxujwa, said she was happy with that the president had come to Makana. “This shows that the president cares for the people,” said Soxujwa.
She said the visit would put Grahamstown on the map, and hoped the president would help in the building of RDP houses. “The needs of the people will be fulfilled,” she said.
Another resident, Vusumzi Haarmans, said the visit meant nothing to him. “This is useless. Former president Mandela came here in 1996, but nothing ever panned out after his visit,” said Haarmans. He said the money for the event could have been channelled elsewhere. “This is waste of money that could have been used to eradicate the bucket system in KwaNdancama and other areas that still it,” he said.
Thandiwe Meintjies wasn't sure of the significance of the president's visit. “I am just here to see him and I don't know what he is here for. We are only told lies by these politicians,” said Meintjies. She said she'd like him to build more RDP houses and create job opportunities. “Our children resort to crime because there are no jobs for them, and we still live in shacks,” she said.
Another resident, Buyiswa Papu hoped things would get better. “I hope there will be changes in this town after the president's visit. Poverty is the major issue that affects us in this community,” said Papu.
