The DA's Fawzia Rhoda says Platfontein and Roodepan in Ward 1 "have sprung to life" just days before the Sol Plaatje by-election on 22 February 2023. The ANC is being accused of "hauling out government machinery and supplies to win votes in a desperate attempt to retain power" in the Northern Cape’s capital.

"We are planning to take action against the ANC’s mockery of free and fair elections by holding the government accountable for deliberately blurring the lines between party and state," she says.

"The yellow fleet steamrollered into Ward 1 to patch potholes and initiate a job-creating paving project to win the hearts of the unemployed and appease road-users.

"Home Affairs established a base, assisting the isolated community of Platfontein with identity documents. Surely this would have been more helpful before the voter registration weekend?

"To top it off, the Sol Plaatje municipality, which earlier this year left residents without running water for close to ten days, has today announced a halt to its nightly water shutdowns to calm tempers.

"Communities deserve access to services all year, not just when it's necessary to buy votes." 

OFM News