DA chief visits Qwaqwa

By Emily Setona

QWAQWA – Democratic Alliance (DA) members gathered as federal leader John Steenhuisen spent Women’s Day with the community of Maluti–a–Phofung (MAP) local municipality at the Phuthaditjaba multipurpose hall as part of his roadshow throughout the Free State.

Addressing the crowd, Steenhuisnen said in a democracy the only impactful way for people to create change is by registering to vote and use their vote wisely.

“This place should be a heritage site and the most beautiful place in the Free State the way it is so beautiful, but it has been badly neglected. The factories are not working, there is sewage flowing all over the streets.
“Our goal is to bring a government that will open the factories and create jobs and offer proper service delivery to the people of this community. We will not only speak and make empty promises, but we will deliver,” Steenhuisen said.

The crowd cheered in unison as they listened to Steenhuisen’s speech, and agreed with most of his message.
Zinhle Nkutha who is a member of the community said she was very proud to be there and believed that the DA will bring hope to women in this community.
In an interview with The Guard DA, councillor Alison Oates said as part of his roadshow across the Free State, Steenhuisen has found his way here and spent his Women’s Day with the community of MAP.

“We have invited him to come and see the state of our small towns in the Free State because as Helen Suzman used to say, “Go and have a look” because when our national leaders we come and see what is happening in the communities we as leaders on the ground can tell them there is sewage flowing everywhere, the roads are bad but what will make a difference is if they come and see for themselves,” Oates said.

For her part, Leona Kleynhans, DA member of the Free State legislature said women must be strong in this time and that there is more power in using their vote wisely rather than throwing stones.