By Nangamso Mabindla
9 June 2005

DEPUTY President Jacob Zuma and a number of cabinet ministers are in Eastern Cape to attend a national Presidential Imbizo aimed at establishing direct communication between the government and the people.

Before meeting the province's people Zuma, accompanied by Housing Minister Lindiwe Sisulu; Sports, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Ntombazana Botha; and Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela attended a breakfast at the East London City Hall.

Also at the breakfast were government partners, including businesses, education institutions and religious groups.

Zuma was happy to be in the province, and urged people to participate in the imbizo.

"This is a great chance for people to criticise and commend us for the things we have done on behalf of our citizens." He also encouraged the building of strong relationships between the three tiers of government, namely national, provincial and local.

While in Eastern Cape, the deputy president and his entourage will visit place like Umngqesha Great Place outside King William's Town, Kieskamahoek and Cofimvaba in the Chris Hani District Municipality.

He will also visit Duncan Village C Section to listen to the people's concerns, as well as Mdantsane to look at the progress of the urban renewal programme.