SOSSHANGUVE — Soshanguve residents used an ActionSA door to door campaign in Ward 35 on Saturday to raise concerns about rent deductions, service delivery and the difficulties facing poorer households in the community.
ActionSA Tshwane mayoral candidate Dr Nasiphi Moya was joined by Ward 35 councillor candidate Mr Kagiso Ramogale during the campaign at Mathaga Primary School in Block L, where residents had the opportunity to raise concerns affecting their households.
Residents said rent-related issues had become a major concern, with some claiming they had approached office staff to resolve deductions but were told officials were unaware of the agreements they had signed.
Residents also raised concerns about service delivery and the conditions in which some households are living.
One Ward 35 resident, Mr Freddy Matase, said residents wanted more direct engagement with political candidates before deciding who to support.
“I feel like we were not given enough time to properly decide which party to vote for as rent is high. The cost of living seems to be growing by the day, and even the elderly pensioners are receiving little pension money to pay off those costs. We don’t know; we shall see what these are capable of and what those are not capable of.”
Dr Moya said some of the cases raised by residents could require engagement with social workers and relevant municipal offices.
She said there were processes through which certain cases, including those involving vulnerable households, could be assessed and taken through the appropriate channels.
Dr Moya also undertook to engage with social workers regarding the concerns raised by residents and said a petition could be taken to the relevant offices for further attention.
However, the campaign did not allow enough time for all residents to raise their individual concerns, as Moya had to leave for other mayoral commitments.
The campaign was therefore followed by an agreement to hold a separate community meeting where residents would have more time to present their complaints and discuss possible solutions.
Mr Ramogale said the campaign also demonstrated that political parties could compete during elections while still working around issues affecting communities.
“Yesterday we were cleaning here near the school premises and there was another party at the top of the street. After a few hours of cleaning, the other party decided to join us. I was so happy to see that we are rivals at the polls but partners who pressure each other to deliver services to the community.”
Mr Ramogale said he appreciated the support from residents and called for continued efforts to address issues affecting the ward.
The planned community meeting is expected to provide residents with an opportunity to raise their cases individually and allow the candidates and relevant stakeholders to discuss possible solutions to the concerns raised during the campaign.
For residents, however, the central issue remains whether their concerns will translate into action beyond the campaign trail.
