The ANC would not gamble with people’s futures during the 2016 local government elections, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday.

"We will not play 'Zama Zama' with our people’s future. We will not allow our municipalities to be turned into a lottery. We want to improve the efficiency, capacity and impact of local government,” he said at the ANC's 104 birthday celebration at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo.  

He warned councillors that if they abused their power, they would lose it. "If you do not deliver, you are out. If you are caught with your fingers in the till, you will go to jail.” 

Ramaphosa praised Limpopo residents for supporting the party during elections. 

He said in 2016 and beyond, the party would return to basics and ensure that its branches and local leaders attended to the day-to-day matters affecting communities. 

“We expect our councillors to create conditions for decent living by consistently delivering municipal services to the right quality and standard. Municipalities led by the ANC must lead in cutting wastage, hiring competent staff, and ensuring transparency and accountability,” he said.   

He said the ANC would fight slate politics, vote buying and gate-keeping. He said the party intended ending racism, corruption and patriarchy.    

“Only the ANC has the will and policies to eradicate poverty, unemployment, and inequality. We have built roads, community centres, clinics and public transport nodes,” he added.  

Source: News24