African National Congress (ANC) Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called out the Democratic Alliance (DA)-led Western Cape provincial government for failing to adequately address the needs of impoverished communities, with a specific focus on Khayelitsha. Mashatile voiced these concerns during a visit to the Andrew Losaba Methodist Church in False Bay, Khayelitsha, as part of preparations for the ANC’s 113th anniversary celebrations.
During his address, Mashatile highlighted urgent issues affecting the area, including severe unemployment—particularly among young people—escalating crime rates, and the devastating aftermath of recent fires that left many residents homeless. “We want to ensure that the people of Khayelitsha, like others in the Western Cape, enjoy a better quality of life,” he affirmed, pledging the ANC’s commitment to tackling these challenges.
Acknowledging that the ANC does not govern the Western Cape, Mashatile stressed the national government’s role in supporting communities that he claimed are neglected by the provincial administration. “We will collaborate with these communities to help them overcome their struggles. It’s evident that places like Khayelitsha are being overlooked by the provincial government,” he stated.
The remarks come ahead of the ANC’s annual 8 January statement, set to be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha. The event serves as both a celebration of the ANC’s history and an opportunity to directly engage with local residents to address their concerns.
The ANC’s focus on Khayelitsha highlights the party’s dedication to uplifting historically marginalized communities, irrespective of the political leadership at the provincial level.