Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane has condemned the violent stance of the Economic Freedom Fighters, saying violence will not change the living conditions of the people.

Speaking at the Zandspruit informal settlement, North West, on Freedom Day yesterday, Maimane told the community that the only way to change their lives was through the ballot.

Residents of Zandspruit recently protested over lack of electricity, sanitation and housing.

"It's not about the barrel of the gun, it's about us using our constitutional, democratic order to vote out this government. You can't be listening to people who are inspired by hatred and saying we must go back to violence.

"You start violence today, you will reap violence in the future," Maimane told the community.

"Protesting is your right but you have to vote for the change you want and vote out the government that is failing you."

Zandspruit resident Maggie Aphane, 43, said she could not celebrate Freedom Day because the government had not done anything to change the living conditions in the informal settlement.

"The ANC has failed us. As much as we loved the ANC, it's time for change.

"There are no basic services here and our children are exposed to the dirt and sewerage in the squatter camp and they get sick," said Aphane.

Maimane promised residents that their votes would count and change would come with DA mayoral candidate Herman Mashaba.

Mashaba, who was at Zandspruit with Maimane, told the residents he would tackle the basic service delivery in the area and had already written to the South African Human Rights commission on the living conditions in the area.