Results show poor look to new parties for help

THE election results have proven that the scourges that affect the poor should not be taken lightly. Hence we saw the rise in the number of followers for the young and new parties like the EFF, UDM and the NFP.

So it seems the seeds of disillusionment from the former liberation party have permeated to the formation by the offspring of new parties such as the EFF and NFP, and has also inadvertently cemented the position of the opposition party, the DA, in the townships, especially in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Such formidable opponents have used this window of opportunity to expand the size of their constituency and it has subsequently aided in these political parties moving up the ladder by exploring the economic vulnerability of the marginalised masses in the townships and rural areas, and using the land acquisition matter to their advantage in these last elections. You may want to call it "psychological manipulation", tactics aimed at taming the minds of the despondent citizens of uMzantsi.

This is a sign for the current national ruling party to take notice of these shortfalls and to improve the quality of service delivery as promised in its election campaign. It is time that priority should be given to the needs of the masses who are deprived of their fundamental constitutional rights and who live in abject poverty.

The ANC should at this point follow a decisive strategy to address the issues affecting the poor and destitute citizens who are crying out loud for improvement to service delivery and who have a hope that the government would engage in mechanisms that would create a platform that provides the opportunity to create new jobs for the youth. It is imperative that all government departments should be involved in matters that promote job creation and entrepreneurship within the youth bodies, in coalition with the private sector.

As we celebrate the victory of the ruling national party, it should be noted that corruption and circumstances that have led to poor service delivery are things of the past, and a turnaround is not a choice, but a must, to deliver services to the people of Mzantsi.

Sizwe Mda, Grahamstown