KwaZulu-Natal - Some rural communities in the province have expressed optimism about their future after yesterday's State of the Nation Address by President Jacob Zuma.
Communities were optimistic and excited about the developments announced by the President and his statement that government was ready to deliver, especially in rural areas.
"We have to ensure that we do not leave rural areas behind in these exciting developments. As part of social infrastructure development we will provide suitably located and affordable housing and decent human settlements.
"Working together with our people in the rural areas, we will ensure a comprehensive rural development strategy linked to land and agrarian reform and food security, as our third priority," President Zuma said.
A resident from Mandeni, Sizakele Shoba said: "I can't wait to see the changes that will be taking place in our rural areas. We are hoping that the President will keep his promises for a better life for all," she said.
Bonakele Mzulwini from Mdumbulo told BuaNews that she believed that the President would keep his promises made regarding development in rural areas.
"For years we have been struggling to get decent water and electricity in the rural areas. But now as the President said they will develop the rural areas, we hope that by next year we will have some of the basic needs, water and electricity," Ms Mzulwini said.
She was also excited about the new department at government, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, which will specifically oversee rural development.
Another rural resident Thulebona Zungu from Ndwedwe was confident that President Zuma will deliver in the rural areas, adding that he understood the problems that were faced by the rural people, as he comes from the rural area of Nkandla.
"There is no better person who understands the difficulties of the rural people like our President. It will be a dream come true for us when we receive decent water and electricity like any other South African in this country," said Mr Zungu.
A young student, Sihle Mkhonza, from Ispingo said he was touched by the President's speech and the commitments he made to South Africans. "It shows that he is a people's person and wishes to see all South Africans living a decent life," Sihle said.
