ANC provincial chairperson Dr Zamani Saul and provincial secretary Deshi Ngxanga celebrate the party’s 113th anniversary in Springbok alongside ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile and other national executive committee members. Picture: Supplied
ANC DEPUTY president Paul Mashatile stated that the tabling of the Budget Speech was postponed last week as the party remains committed to addressing the high cost of living by lowering food prices and exempting essential items from Value Added Tax (VAT).
Addressing the provincial rally that formed part of the ANC’s 113th-anniversary celebrations, held at the Bergsig Sports Grounds in Springbok on February 22, Mashatile stated that the party is deeply rooted in the struggles of the working class and the poor.
“We remain at the helm of social transformation, championing the fight against poverty, unemployment and inequality,” he said.
He explained that postponing the Budget Speech would allow for deliberations to find a way to strike a balance between public interest, economic expansion, and fiscal stability.
“The ANC will continue to prioritise the needs and ambitions of our people. We will not make decisions that will cause us to lose the progress accomplished since the beginning of our democracy.”
Mashatile noted the difficulties experienced by citizens residing in the Namakwa District, which require urgent attention.
“We are aware that a significant portion of the population in Namakwa live in poverty, with high unemployment rates, especially among young people.”
He also raised concerns over the increasing prevalence of alcohol and substance abuse, which he said was tearing apart the social fabric of communities.
“This leads to family breakdowns and escalating crime. Many farmers face difficulties acquiring land, either due to high costs or slow land redistribution processes. Through the recently signed Expropriation Bill, we seek to address this challenge and promote equitable land distribution.”
He further highlighted the dangers posed by unauthorised mining operations in the district, warning that they threaten both the environment and economic stability.
“Through collaborations between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Operation Vala Umgodi, as well as private security firms, a number of illegal miners have been arrested - mainly foreign nationals - and mining equipment confiscated.”
He recognised the need to improve the quality of governance and service delivery.
“The ANC is committed to taking decisive action on three key fronts to regain public confidence by creating wealth and employment for all and improving quality services, responsiveness and accountability of government in all spheres.”
He highlighted the need to renew and rebuild the ANC so that it could provide decisive and ethical leadership.
“The ANC is committed to restoring public confidence and solidifying its status as the strongest party in the forthcoming local general elections.”
Mashatile noted that 18 by-elections were held during December 2024 across six provinces, including the Northern Cape.
“The ANC managed to win 13 wards out of the 18. I commend the ANC in the Northern Cape for snatching the Karoo Hoogland Municipality in Namakwa from the DA.
“It is not enough to simply win the ward; we must put in a lot of effort to fulfil the expectations of our communities. We must act deliberately and with speed to address the water issues, fix local government and improve the economy,” he added.
“The reality is that there is a lot of work that lies ahead. The people of this province have placed their trust in the leadership of the ANC, and we must not let them down.”
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