Huge turnout for Mbeki imbizo

2007-10-06 13:00

Uitval - Thousands of people arrived at the Uitval sports grounds near Ladysmith on Saturday in KwaZulu-Natal to meet President Thabo Mbeki.

Earlier in the morning hundreds of people lined the streets of Ladysmith's Ezakheni township as he kicked off his two-day imbizo.

During the walk-about tour of D-section in Ezakheni Mbeki was flanked by national health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, KwaZulu Natal premier Sbu Ndebele and Ladysmith mayor Dudu Mazibuko.

There was a huge security contingent, a circling helicopter and a host of press photographers surrounding Mbeki and his entourage.

Mbeki is expected to meet with local officials and residents at the Uitval community which is a rural community about 60km south of Ladysmith.

Huge tents and large screens were erected to cater for the masses.

Various government departments had mobile caravans with staff on hand to serve locals. A long queue was seen outside the home affairs department caravan.

After an interactive session with residents of Uitval, Mbeki was expected to meet with local government leaders in the Ladysmith town hall.

On Sunday Mbeki will visit the Olifantskop Dam project before undertaking a door to door visit of the Wembezi community near Estcourt.

Later on Sunday he is expected again to meet with government departments - both provincial and municipal.

- SAPA