Tension builds around ANC conference venue

WITH only a week remaining before the much-anticipated ANC 54th Elective Conference at the Nasrec Expo Centre, tension is building around the area.

Residents have expressed mixed feelings about missed business opportunities and the conference’s outcome.

Nasrec is the precinct where FNB Stadium is located, and is close to Soweto townships such Diepkloof and Orlando and suburbs such as Ridgeway and Mondeor.

More than 6 000 people, including

ANC delegates, the media, interested parties and various service providers are expected to converge for the conference that will start on Saturday. and end on December 20. Leighton May from the centre’s planning committee said: “One thing for certain is that in and around the venue, it will be on high lockdown.

“Anyone who is not related to the conference will not even be able to get close to the Expo Centre, especially without proper accreditation and vehicle access passes.

“The task teams like the police will be on sight for the build-up. It will be a buzz of activity and a lot of hustle and bustle around.”

May pointed out that there are different venues dedicated to different delegates.

“International guests will be placed separately from VVIP delegates like the ANC top 6. The incoming president will have his or her own separate venue,” he adds.

The areas around Nasrec is buzzing with anticipation, especially from small business people, restaurateurs and B&B owners. As there are no hotels in the vicinity, most guest houses around Diepkloof are fully booked.

Bookings

Mama Lolo, a very popular B&B has been fully booked weeks in advance. Guest house manager Paulinah Tema said she was now referring bookings to surrounding areas.

Another area that will be flooded with delegates will be the historical Vilakazi Street, which has a plethora of restaurants, bars and B&Bs.

Mandla Mchunu, a 31-year-old from Diepkloof Extension complained bitterly about unemployed youth being sidelined by the organisers. He said when they asked for work, they were sent from pillar to post.

“I am disappointed at how we have been disregarded as young people when we approached the relevant people to ask for some form of employment during the conference. A friend and I took proactive steps to try to get involved because we are always being told about how young people wait for things to come to them. But when we do, we are left in the lurch.”