Protests only way to get message across

THE recent spate of service delivery protests are an indication of the ANC government's failure to deliver basic social services to the poor.

For instance, people in areas like Silvertown have been using the bucket system for the last 28 years and the ANC government expects them to be patient.

The public officials elected by poor voters drive flashy cars and improve their living standards within a short space of time after assuming political office, while expecting the poor to be patient.

People are protesting because the political elite are not delivering on the election promises made since 1994, and people's basic needs are not taken seriously.

The violent protests trigger a quick response from the authorities and the working class have no other means to draw the attention of political officials except using violent protests.

The problem is compounded by the lack of skills necessary to run functioning and efficient municipalities.

The ANC allows councillors and municipal officials without qualifications to run our municipalities at the expense of service delivery. Mkhuseli Khusta Mtsila, Zwide