“The Free State has long borne the brunt of ANC misrule, facing a litany of challenges ranging from crumbling infrastructure to widespread poverty.”

DA leader John Steenhuisen addressed supporters in the Bloemfontein city hall on Tuesday evening (23/4). The DA has been on what they term the “Rescue South Africa Tour”, visiting eight metropolitan municipalities across the country to share their plans heading to elections.

The crowd was entertained with live music and festivities before being addressed by the party leader. Steenhuisen slammed the ruling party for burdening the province with poor governance and neglect.

Members of the DA in the Free State attended the party's Rescue South Africa Tour in Bloemfontein. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

“In South Africa, the Free State has suffered the most under ANC misrule. It has a strong claim to be the most mismanaged in the entire country, and similarly, Good Governance Africa recently confirmed Mangaung is the worst-run municipality in the entire country.

“This is despite the fact Bloemfontein sits at the heart of our beautiful nation. You know the people of Mangaung deserve more than the misery ANC has subjected them to.”

During the manifesto launch the DA outlined seven key priorities, which include the creation of two million jobs, Ending water problems and loadshedding, and dealing with crime, including gender-based violence. The party also promised to crush corruption by abolishing cadre deployment in favour of merit-based appointments, lifting six million out of poverty, tripling the number of grade four learners who can read for meaning, and ensuring quality healthcare for all.

Siviwe Gwarube, DA Member of the National Assembly, dancing before addressing party members in Mangaung. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

The EFF boycotted this year’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) and highlighted how the government of the day disregards and undermined the dignity and livelihoods of our people.

“SOPA has been used as a platform to mislead the public with blatant lies and false promises by Dukwana and his predecessors. The state of municipalities has worsened under the rule of the ANC and Dukwana. Municipalities are not financially solvent and liquid, there is no service delivery happening,” said EFF provincial chairperson, Mapheule Lhiphoko.

“Municipalities like Mangaung and Matjhabeng have ongoing sewage spillages in people’s houses; Ngwathe, Kopanong, and Maluti-A-Phofung are constantly without clean running water and electricity. The Auditor-General has nothing positive to say about all Free State Municipalities as they are collapsing.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi