Pertunia Ratsatsi and Sapa

Pertunia Ratsatsi and Sapa

ANC president Jacob Zuma yesterday enjoyed what he calls a "historical day" with inhabitants of a white informal settlement in Bethlehem, west of Pretoria.

"This is a very important day for me," Zuma said. "In the process of interacting with South Africans as the ANC does, I never knew that poor whites existed in this country."

Zuma was speaking to scores of residents from informal settlements around Pretoria. He was visiting the area for the second time this year.

"During my first visit I was very touched by the living conditions around here and I promised I would come back," he said. "I did not have all the answers then but today I brought people who can help with some of the problems."

Zuma brought with him Tshwane executive mayor Gwen Ramokgopa and Minister of Social Development Zola S'kweyiya.

S'kweyiya said: "There was a perception that there are no poor among the white people. This [large gathering] proves beyond a reasonable doubt that this is a myth."

He gave the assurance that grants would be awarded to all South Africans who met the requirements, without discrimination.

Scores of people registered for grants at the event. They later received blankets and grocery vouchers.