Driving into Tugela Ferry outside Pietermaritzburg, one of the first things spotted is a giant ANC billboard bearing the face of President Thabo Mbeki entirely covered in white paint.

This is one of two billboards erected in the Inkatha Freedom Party stronghold where Mbeki, KwaZulu-Natal premier and IFP chairperson Lionel Mtshali, and other senior government leaders travelled on Thursday to hear the problems experienced by people in the area.

Political tension between the ANC and the IFP was evident.

Mbeki's convoy was briefly disrupted In Tugela Ferry by marching IFP supporters carrying traditional weapons. At a second imbizo in Newcastle on Thursday afternoon the question time was constantly interrupted as a small group of IFP supporters blew whistles and stood up and shouted.

This angered the ANC supporters who shook their fists at the IFP followers and shouted "suka" (go away).

KwaZulu-Natal public works MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu battled to calm the crowd who eventually sat down.

However, it soon erupted into a second session of whistle blowing and fist shaking.

IFP chairperson Mtshali expressed disappointment with the behaviour of some of his party's supporters. Mtshali angrily told the crowd that they should act responsibly and speak responsibly.

"I am disappointed by this behaviour. People must respect each other," he said.

Both incidents were defused quickly and efficiently by government leaders and police.

At the imbizos residents were not shy in criticising the government for slow delivery, some threatening not to vote for the ANC until more progress was made.

But mostly they begged the president for jobs, increases in social grants, better care for pensioners and for safety.

Mbeki listened patiently, often making notes. At the end he promised the people he would ensure that provincial government officials did their job.

"On Monday, I will write a letter to Premier Mtshali outlining what you have said, and I will ask him for progress reports on these requests," he said.

Mbeki said the issues in the area were very similar to the rest of the country. "It is clear that our people want jobs, access to water, clean sanitation, good health, and clinics with doctors and nurses," he said.

Mbeki said people should remember that change took time.

He warned that voters should question political parties thoroughly before deciding where to cast their votes. "All of the parties are going to promise you many things. Ask all of them questions to make sure they are telling you the truth".

Government knew the extent of the poverty and the hunger, experienced by the country's poor, he said.

"We know we have a long way to go. It's not going to happen in a day or in a week or in a year". – Sapa.