Premier Ntombela Was Jeered At While Campaigning Alongside ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa

When African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa led an election campaign in Phuthaditjhaba, residents aired their grievances loudly. When local leaders attempted to address a large crowd at the Riverside sports field, they were denied any opportunity to speak.

While attempting to address African National Congress (ANC) rallies in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela and Maluti-a-Phofung mayor Masechaba Lakaje were booed.

On Sunday, they were flanked by ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, who received a warm welcome.

Residents of Phuthaditjhaba voiced their dissatisfaction loudly during Ramaphosa’s election campaign in the area.

When local leaders attempted to address a large crowd at the Riverside sports field, they were denied the opportunity to speak.

One woman stated that it was not factional, but they did not like the way the mayor spoke to them in the past, and how she blamed them for water shortages in the municipality when the council was failing to maintain infrastructure.

Another ANC supporter, a teacher, said she was tired of promises and was glad Ramaphosa came to see for himself.

“It’s very important that we hear him so that he can hear our complaints from where he saw them, rather than just sitting in Gauteng. He must be aware that our votes are invalid; he must sense them. I wanted him to feel it. When we say we don’t have water, he must believe we don’t. It’s not just that we say we don’t have water “she stated.

Maluti-a-Phofung has been one of the worst-managed municipalities in the country, and despite efforts to improve things, water and electricity cuts continue.