By Gabi Khumalo
Pretoria – As the crowd continues to make their way to the Southern Lawns of the Union Buildings to celebrate the Inauguration of President-elect Jacob Zuma, most agree South Africa has a reason to celebrate.
One such reveller is Ntuthuzelo Tsewu, 47, from Springbok in Northern Cape. who on Saturday morning sang the praises of the President-elect and other ANC leaders. She says they paved the way for South Africans and a democratic South Africa - especially the late former President Nelson Mandela.
“[Mandela] didn’t mind where you came from or what race you are. He treated everyone as equals. His mission was to better the lives of people and the other Presidents after him.
“We have a reason to celebrate the 20 years of democracy as we’ve seen a lot of development in our areas. We fully understand that government can’t do everything for everyone at once and we appreciate what has been done,” said Tsewu with confidence.
In his yellow T-shirt with pictures of President Jacob Zuma and other former Presidents, Tsewu says he hopes to see more jobs being created in the next five years.
After spending four hours on the road, Maria Makwa from Sekhukhune in Limpopo, said she was happy to be at the Union Buildings to take part in this momentous occasion.
“I’m here to witness the inauguration of our President for the second time. Our lives have changed because of him. We are not yet there when it comes to development but all of us will be reaping the fruits of this democracy,” said an elated Makwa.
Makwa said she would also like to see more job creation for the youth under the new administration.
Margaret Pohe, from Thaba Nchu in the Free State congratulated the President-elect for being re-elected, saying that he is the right man for the position.
“The position fits him well. Since 1994, I’m up to date on government programmes and as a mother of two, I’m happy with government’s interventions in fighting poverty. I get a child support grant and this helps make sure that my kids are warm when they go to school.
“I’m also one of the beneficiaries of Government’s programme, the Community Works Programme which enables me to feed my family… indeed we have a good story to tell,” said the 34-year-old.
Simpleman Seweya, 28, from Giyani in Limpopo said: “I’m excited to see the President I love being inaugurated because through him as a leader, our lives have changed.
“My kids are no longer paying for school fees and they get free meals at schools, houses and toilets are being built, as well as clinics.” – SAnews.gov.za
