Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen, took his Heritage Day commemoration to Lentegeur in Mitchells Plein on the Cape Flats. Steenhuisen spent time with the young and the old, sharing some traditional meals with the community. It was a Heritage Day feast, starting at Lentegeur Park in Mitchell’s Plein, with the display of different potjiekos meals prepared by various Good Samaritans. The young ones from the area lined up to get a hotdog bite for the day, served by the DA leader, accompanied by Provincial MEC for Mobility, Ricardo Mc Kenzie.
Celebrating Heritage Day in Mitchell’s Plein
Steenhuisen expressed his joy at being able to celebrate Heritage Day in Mitchell’s Plein and praised the diversity of South Africa. He said, “Everyone is here to celebrate Heritage Day and the diversity of our wonderful country reflected on the traditional meals, traditional clothes, traditional celebrations that we have on Heritage Day, which shows the richness of our south, that our diversity is in fact our greatest strength in our nation.”
- The event took place at Lentegeur Park in Mitchell’s Plein
- The day included a display of different potjiekos meals prepared by various Good Samaritans
- Young individuals from the area enjoyed hotdogs served by Steenhuisen
- Provincial MEC for Mobility, Ricardo Mc Kenzie, was also present
Sharing a meal with the elderly
After the feast at Lentegeur Park, Steenhuisen and the community visited the Mont Claire old age home, where they shared the potjiekos meals with the elderly residents. Steenhuisen highlighted the difficulties faced by many elderly people in the country, especially in terms of rising food prices and the inadequate old age pension. He said, “I think people underestimate the huge crisis we have amongst elderly people in this country. The old age pension has not kept up with inflation. It’s hardly enough to feed a family and let alone pensioners anymore and it makes life very difficult. The cost of food has gone up exponentially.”
Encouraging voter registration
During his interaction with the community, Steenhuisen also urged the supporters to register to vote in the upcoming elections. He expressed confidence in his party, the DA, retaining its stronghold in the Western Cape Province. Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of voter turnout and the need for people to come out and support the DA’s efforts to maintain their majority in the province. He also mentioned the need for the party to make advances in other provinces.
The countdown to general elections
With less than a year until South Africa’s upcoming general elections, Steenhuisen’s visit to Mitchell’s Plein highlights the party’s commitment to engaging with communities and celebrating the country’s heritage. The 2024 elections will mark 30 years since South Africa achieved democracy in 1994, making it a significant milestone for the nation. Steenhuisen’s presence and interaction with the community serve as a reminder of the importance of civic participation and the democratic process.
Conclusion
John Steenhuisen’s Heritage Day commemoration in Mitchell’s Plein showcased the Democratic Alliance’s commitment to community engagement and celebrating South Africa’s diverse heritage. The event not only provided an opportunity for Steenhuisen to share traditional meals with the community but also allowed him to address important issues such as rising food prices and inadequate old age pensions. Additionally, Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of voter registration and turnout in the upcoming elections, demonstrating the party’s determination to maintain their stronghold in the Western Cape and make advances in other provinces. As the countdown to the general elections continues, Steenhuisen’s visit serves as a reminder of the significance of civic participation and the democratic process in shaping the country’s future.
