ACCORDING to Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane the ANC-led government is a government that listens to the people.

If the government listens to the masses why are we having unrest and protests in many parts of the country, Gauteng included?

For instance, Sharpeville is burning.

Residents are revolting against poor service delivery in the area. Since the dawn of our democracy the area has been left undeveloped.

Isn't this a breach of promise by the ruling party? The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Interestingly people leading the protests in Sharpeville are local ANC leaders.

One of the leaders is a branch secretary who recently went on national television (SABC's Masikhulume) to voice the anger and discontent of the masses.

Every time there is a protest the ruling party blames a third force. Is there a third force that goes around inciting communities to protest against the ANC government?

All I know is that people are tired of empty promises and want delivery now.

On Sunday the government led the Human's Right Day commemoration in Sharpeville. Deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe delivered the keynote address.

According to media reports area residents chose not to attend the commemoration as a demonstration of their unhappiness with service delivery.

The Sharpeville service delivery protests are not unique.

People are tired of seeing local leaders leading opulent lives at their expense.

Thabile Mange, Kagiso