Mantashe visits Komani for late campaign push
ANC national chair Gwede Mantashe addressed a range of concerns raised by residents during a recent ANC election trail, including renewable energy and coal, the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, unpaid volunteers within the party, delays in quarry licence approvals, and the lack of job opportunities for people over the age of 35.
Mantashe faced questions about the party’s stance on former president Jacob Zuma who has formed his own MK party.
Mantashe was addressing the public in Komani last Thursday in one of the last pushes of the ANC’s election campaign ahead of the voting on May 29.
Mantashe said: “You ask when we’re firing Zuma, but if you pack up your belongings and leave a house, do you still need to be formally evicted? We are going through the formalities, but effectively, he’s already left the ANC.”
Mantashe defended the NHI system, saying it would bring quality healthcare to the poor.
“NHI aims to make health care a right for everyone, not a privilege for the wealthy. Unfortunately, this system is being opposed by those who have the resources to access medical aid. They don’t need NHI, but South Africans who are poor do.”
He explained that the NHI was based on a progressive tax system. “The portion of the rich who own cars pay taxes that insure pedestrians and those who use public transportation, who may not have the means to cover their expenses if they are injured or worse. This is how the NHI works: those with the financial resources contribute to a healthcare system that benefits those who cannot afford it.”
Mantashe criticised the long-term feasibility of solar and wind power energy as a solution to SA’s energy crisis, claiming that renewable energy sources are unreliable because they depended on sunshine and wind.
“The sun doesn’t shine all the time, and the wind doesn’t blow all the time. This means that we would still need to rely on base load energy sources like coal, nuclear or gas to ensure a stable supply of power.”
The department of mineral resources & energy, of which he is the minister, was issuing various licences in terms of the renewable energy independent power producer procurement programme and new generation capacity.
“When it comes to renewables, no licence is required. You can simply set up any embedded generation capacity and sell your own electricity.
“This is in contrast to the more reliable base load electricity that we need, which is in high demand and a luxury during load-shedding.”
He said he would inquire about the status of the mining application to quarry between Cala and Indwe, which had not reached his desk.
He said the policy of only employing individuals up to age 35 had been abolished.
He said: “Additionally, let us commend the woman who remains steadfast in her loyalty to the ANC. We recognise the importance of our volunteers and agree that they should be remunerated for their contribution to the party.
“Regarding military veteran benefits, I will invite deputy president Paul Mashatile to the Eastern Cape to meet and address veterans.”