Mbeki is on a three-day visit to the province aimed at taking the three levels of government to the people in an attempt to hear and hopefully solve their problems.
At the imbizo with the people in Tugela Ferry and Newcastle, Mbeki listened as the community sometimes angrily told him their problems.
"The only firm that provided jobs closed down. What is government going to do to help us," demanded one man in Tugela Ferry.
"The police are never there when we need them," lamented another.
"Thank you for the support grants, but please, can you increase it," asked a woman in Newcastle.
Mbeki said the area was like many other parts of South Africa.
"It is clear that our people want jobs, access to water, clean sanitation, good health and clinics with doctors and nurses and medicines. People want their lives to change for the better," he said.
Mbeki said on Monday he would write a letter to premier Lionel Mtshali who accompanied him, outlining the people's demands and asking for progress reports in meeting those requests.
He also warned people to carefully question political parties before deciding who to vote for.
"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".
Mbeki said government knew that the people were poor and hungry.
"We know we have a long way to change. It is not going to happen in a day, a week or a year. If they say it is will happen in a year they are lying to you". – Sapa.
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