×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

I want my own party, Keletso tells premier

Ido lekota

Ido lekota

Orange Farm resident, 14-year-old Keletso Mofokeng, wants to form her own political party when she grows up because she is tired of politicians who make empty promises.

Mofokeng made her wish known to Gauteng Premier Paul Mashatile during a train ride from Orange Farm to Johannesburg yesterday.

"I don't want people to make empty promises they won't keep," said the St Enda's Secondary School pupil.

Mashatile, together with transport MEC Ignatius Jacobs, were on the train as part of the ANC's electioneering campaign.

"We are not here only for your votes but to find out about the challenges you are facing in your daily lives," Mashatile said.

Keletso's concerns were shared by 53-year-old Siphiwe Ngubane, who described himself as a die-hard ANC supporter.

"We will always vote for you [ANC] . but you don't keep your promises. There are no toilets, no water, and no street lights in Orange Farm - it is nearly 20 years now," Ngubane told Mashatile.

Most people on the train told Mashatile they would vote ANC.

However, the majority of the commuters complained about the trains being late. They said the one-hour-and-15-minute trip to Park Station sometimes took up to two hours. This is because of long delays at stations like Lawley.

"We are always late for work and the bosses are threatening us with dismissal," said 29-year-old Jabulani Khoza.

Mashatile said there was a plan to improve the station and that the provincial government would engage Metrorail to ensure there were more trains to avoid congestion .

He also blamed the long delays on faulty and ancient signalling.

"There is a need for new rolling stock and improved infrastructure. Unfortunately Metrorail is not the competence of the province but we will work with the national government to address these matters," said Mashatile.

He also said Orange Farm was the most developed township.

"But we understand that when people complain it is about their own specific cases."

Mashatile said a new government should deal with such backlogs and address the needs of those who feel forgotten.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.