President Thabo Mbeki wrapped up his two-day imbizo in the Eastern Cape on a positive note after interacting with stakeholders, communities and different spheres of government.
Spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga said Mbeki was particularly pleased with the support the Ukhahlamba district gave to a R1,5-billion PG Bison Project.
”The joint partnership project between business, local and provincial government is expected to create 1 500 jobs and business opportunities.”
During the community imbizo in Ugie, the president encouraged communities to exploit opportunities that would be presented by the PG Bison investment.
”The president called on communities not to wait for the government to help them, but start initiatives that will draw the government’s attention.”
Mbeki was accompanied by the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Nosimo Balindlela, and Cabinet ministers.
Balindlela called on communities to report bureaucratic ”bottlenecks” that delayed the provision of basic services.
”It only takes ten days after you have complained about basic services such as ID documents and registration for social grants to get a response,” said Balindlela.
On Saturday, Mbeki made 80-year-old Evelina Mokwena of Dukathole, Aliwal North, the proud owner of a house.
The president handed over the house to Mokwena, who lived in a shack for more than 10 years.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation reported Mokwena shed tears of joy after receiving the keys to her new home, adding she was one of thousands of women who took part in the 1956 march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where women marched against pass laws.
Earlier in the day, Mbeki laid wreaths at the gravesites of struggle heroes at the Maletswai Freedom Square Memorial site in Aliwal North.
The wife of an ANC stalwart who was assassinated in Zimbabwe in 1981 warmly welcomed and thanked Mbeki for honouring her late husband, Joe Gqabi. — Sapa