/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

This week’s premature handover of 5 700 sites by Premier Zamani Saul to Gamagara municipality for a low-cost housing development, 21 days before the election, smacks of ongoing ANC manipulation.

Three weeks ago, the very same project was dubbed a “white elephant” by Gamagara municipality during an Integrated Development Programme (IDP) meeting. Surrounding stakeholders have expressed similar sentiments.

The 5 700 sites have yet to be serviced. There are also severe bulk infrastructure constraints within Gamagara, including that the Gamagara Waste Water Treatment Works is operating way beyond capacity. The replacement of the asbestos water network and valves is a further challenge. As a result, it will be near impossible for Gamagara to facilitate any new housing or industrial developments at this stage.

It is cruel for the ANC government to unapologetically dangle fake bait for desperate Kathu residents, to fool them into believing that the governing party has their best interests at heart, when they know that this is another election stunt.

This is not the first or last time that the ANC will abuse state programmes and resources in its desperation to cling to power. Two weeks ahead of the 2021 Local Government Election, DA Constituency Head of Kalahari, Willie Aucamp, exposed how the ANC government abused title deed handovers in Olifantshoek to win votes ahead of the polls.

The DA fully appreciates the true value attached to being afforded the opportunity to own a home. This is not something that should be exploited through the manipulation of public resources to supplement the ANC’s campaign for Election 2024.

It is time for the people of Gamagara and the greater Northern Cape to recognize the ANC’s empty promises that accompany its electioneering tactics and to stop being used as pawns to keep the ruling party in power, while ordinary people suffer.

The DA appeals to residents of the Northern Cape to vote against the myriad of lies that have collapsed services in the Northern Cape and to vote for a party that really cares, with a proven track record of delivery.

Issued by Isak Fritz, MPL - DA Northern Cape Premier Candidate