Community members arrived at the ANC’s Free State manifesto event in Grassland, Bloemfontein, on Sunday, voicing their grievances and demanding that their concerns be addressed.
The group, carrying placards with messages for the ANC, made their presence known as the manifesto programme was underway.
Their grievances centred on issues they want the ANC to address, with the demonstration highlighting growing concerns among some community members ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
The arrival of the group created a notable moment at the manifesto, where the ANC was presenting its plans and priorities to communities in the province.
One of the community members said they are not satisfied with several issues affecting their communities. Highlighting Maladministration and the selection process of councillors in different areas.
“We are here because our communities are not happy with several issues, but the main one currently is the selection process of councillors in different areas”, he said.
The demonstration comes as the ANC aims to present its vision and commitments to voters, while also engaging communities on issues affecting their daily lives.
Responding to the protest, Nonmvula Mokonyane, the ANC Deputy Secretary General, stated that distressed communities are going to be contacted to determine how best they can be assisted.
“The beauty of the ANC is that we didn’t chase them away; between today and tomorrow, communication is going to happen. We did not chase them away, but we listened to their grievances,” she said.
She stated that the protesters came to highlight their issues and not to protest against the rally.
“They came to highlight their issues, and they have been listened to, and there was no cop who stopped them because they are ordinary citizens of South Africa who must be listened to,” she added.
Despite the grievances raised during the event, the ANC said it was satisfied with the turnout and welcomed the community’s participation in listening to and celebrating the manifesto.
