EAST LONDON – The pressure to perform and change the state of the country is felt at the 2nd Provincial Eastern Cape ANC Veterans League conference held at the in East London London International Convention Centre. It is clear that the ANC Veterans have noticed the damage done to society by their beloved organization. Many leaders spoke out against the ongoing corruption that has hindered the growth of the Eastern Cape and the country.
A member of the ANC Veterans League, Willian Serote, mentioned a few instances of corruption in the province, including irregular audits amounting to R10,6 billion according to the Auditor General. A rather large sum despite performing slightly better than last year in audits. Mr Serote also reveal that there are 10 disfunctional municipalities in the province.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane who is also the Eastern Cape ANC Provincial Chairperson attended the conference. Mabuyane on his remarks said that 90% of the roads in the Eastern Cape are gravel roads. A very disappointing fact to know. The provincial chairperson believes that they can perform better, Mabuyane suggested that there be lifestyle audits in order to filter out and spot corrupt individuals in government.
In his speech the chairperson had some good things to say regarding progress in road infrastructure and countering unemployment. Mabuyane mentioned the involvement of the automotive companies that have set up their factories in the Buffalo City Metro Municipality have provided jobs for the people of East London. He also said, the road from Alice to Maqome that was worth R700 million to construct has been completed and that a new road will commence construction soon. The new road will be from Bisho to the N6 and from the N6 to Qumrha. This road is set to lead to the Headquarters of the EC provincial government.
“We are turning the Eastern Cape into a construction site and we are working with National government to support us in this issue of disaster. Our roads have been destroyed by disasters that we have gone through in the last 3 years. The National government is working on that and we hope to soon start on working very hard on fixing those bridges and rural roads.” said chairperson Mabuyane.
With all that was said and proposed in the conference and with the elections coming up next year, the question remains. Will their efforts be enough to keep them in power or will the public simply just say “Too little, too late”?
In addition newly elected ANC Veterans League Provincial Officials:
Chairperson- Humphrey Maxegwana
Deputy Chairperson- Ntombovuyo Kopane
Secretary- Paki Ximiya
Deputy Secretary-Ntombekhaya Mahlahla
Treasurer – Kholiwe Mpithi
