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Supporters of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) have attempted to disrupt the opening of the Presidential Imbizo in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa's arrival.
They entered the marquee at the Sy Mthimunye Stadium on Thursday morning, singing "Wenzeni uZuma" and carrying placards reading "Hiring of your girlfriends".
READ | IEC warns MK Party as Zuma loyalists threaten violence, attacks if party is kept off ballot
As soon as the singing started, ANC supporters hit back with their own song defending Ramaphosa.
Not too long after the disruption, Police Minister Bheki Cele walked into the marquee. The MKP supporters dispersed and went outside.
Even thought the security at the Mpumalanga has been heightened, ministers and those in attendance appeared to be relaxed during the event.
On Thursday, Ramaphosa is expected to interact with residents from the Nkangala District Municipality in Mpumalanga, as part of the "Presidential Imbizo District Development Model".
The stated aim is to address and remove obstacles to service delivery in a coordinated manner within the three spheres of government.
After spending the day listening to residents, business leaders, inter-faith organisations, farmers, and organised labour, Ramaphosa and some of his Cabinet ministers are expected to give feedback on the progress made in improving service delivery since his last visit.
READ |Municipal workers in Emalahleni scurry to fix roads, tidy up ahead of Ramaphosa's visit
News24 reported on Thursday morning that Ramaphosa could expect to hear about dirty water, load shedding, potholes, and high unemployment when he speaks to residents.
He might not have sight of the daily struggles of the residents, though, as on Wednesday News24 witnessed a hive of activity ahead of his visit.
Municipal workers were frantically patching up potholes, changing streetlights, manicuring the lawns, and ensuring the route Ramaphosa's motorcade wsould take to the stadium was in pristine condition.
