Mavis Tsele talks about her unemployment situation with ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa during his door-to-door in the North West.
Rosetta Msimango/News24
Boitekong residents praised their ward councillor during ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit,despite ongoing water and power cuts.Residents highlighted Thabang Rampou’s efforts,including job offers and support during funerals,earning Ramaphosa’s approval.While the ANC enjoys strong support in the ward,challenges like neglected public spaces and infrastructure remain evident.
In a striking display of loyalty amid adversity,Boitekong residents in the North West delivered glowing testimonials about their ward councillor Thabang Rampou during ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa’s Thursday visit,even as they navigate daily battles with water shortages,power cuts,and poor roads.
During his door-to-door campaign activities ahead of the ANC’s Saturday main rally,Ramaphosa heard nothing but praise from at least four households.
Residents painted a picture of Rampou as an exceptional public servant who is present,diligent,and consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. So impressed was the president that he suggested Rampou deserves recognition through an award.
Yet the irony was hard to miss: Ward 21 in the Rustenburg Local Municipality tells a different story. Uncut grass sprawls across neglected public spaces,while taverns can be found on every other street corner.
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So generous was Rampou on Thursday that at the fourth house,he told one resident that he could offer one of their children a job to start on Monday as Ramaphosa watched on. Another resident recounted how he had recently abandoned the EFF to rejoin the ANC after becoming disillusioned.
Ramaphosa received a warm welcome in the ward where the ANC enjoys significant support.
Speaking to the residents,Ramaphosa said he was happy with the feedback he received on the ward councillor’s performance.
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According to 72-year-old Joyce Mogoweram,Rampou often assists when there are deaths and funerals in the ward.
“If a family has a funeral,he makes sure that he visits and asks if there is anything we need assistance with,it can be anything from groceries,” Mogowera said.
As we celebrate the #ANC114th Anniversary,President Cyril Ramaphosa engages the people of Ward 21,Boitekong,Rustenburg,in a door-to-door visit,reaffirming the ANC’s unwavering commitment to serving the people,advancing unity,and upholding the ideals of the liberation… pic.twitter.com/yEbEbd38bx
— ANC - African National Congress (@MYANC) January 8,2026
Meanwhile,Mathapelo Maine said Rampou made it a point to communicate and explain the reasons behind any water and electricity outages. Mavis Tsele laid out her frustrations with the lack of water,which Ramaphosa promised would be resolved. Meshack Mojahi claimed that electricity outages were linked to “sabotage”.
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“I can confidently say this because usually when the municipality inspects a transformer,they find that cables have been cut. It’s sabotage,and it’s political. I can confidently say this because I am close to the councillor.
“Over and above this,we are happy with the ward councillor; he works with people of all ages,young and old,” Mojahi said,adding that Rampou went as far as supporting matric pupil during exams.
He said he had since realised that he was “wasting his time with the EFF”.
Ramaphosa said he was pleased with the reports.
“I was given a report by the branch when I arrived,but [residents] have confirmed that he is indeed working hard; you have made me very happy,” Ramaphosa said.
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