At least three MECs will listen to Alicedale residents' service-delivery complaints this week, as the protest action in the small town gathers speed. Once more, it seems the government may finally be bowing to the pressure from the fed-up residents.
At least three MECs will listen to Alicedale residents' service-delivery complaints this week, as the protest action in the small town gathers speed. Once more, it seems the government may finally be bowing to the pressure from the fed-up residents.
There has been growing interaction between the South African National Civic Organisation-led community and various state entities since the beginning of the month-long protest in Alicedale.
The protesters have been demanding since Friday 20 March that Mayor Zamuxolo Peter address them.
Alicedale, a 53km drive from Grahamstown, has been simmering for years over failed promises by local government, and their 'poor relative' status as a rural town far from the City Hall hub of Makana Municipality.
In the latest series of action, parents closed down the local school for a week, starting 12 March, in protest against the fact that they have no maths teacher;
on Friday 20 March, residents barricaded the main road and marched to the municipal offices, demanding a face to face meeting with the municipal mayor; and when Mayor Zamuxolo Peter failed to address them at a meeting on Monday 23 March, riot police fired rubber bullets to disperse an angry crowd who set fire to the Transriviere Community Hall.
In a statement this week acting municipal manager Mandisi Planga said there will be a community engagement meeting on Thursday,16 April with the community of Alicedale.
He said, "The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs [Fikile Xasa], MEC for Safety and Liaison [Weziwe Tikana], Roads and Public Works MEC [Thandiswa Marawu] and Sarah Baartman District Municipality Mayoral Committee member councillor [Vukile Balura] will be addressing the community."
There have also been strong concerns about sewage in the town, which have been raised with Makana Municipality.
Responding to a report from the municipality dated 10 April, Sanco acknowledged receipt of the report and said it had been read, and translated where necessary, on 13 April.
However, in a letter responding to the report, Sanco says at the 13 April meeting it was resolved that the report be considered null and void.
This is because they feel it does not offer any solutions, but rather repeats what was said before.
They say the community expected to hear about issues which had been budgeted for and have clear time frames.
"People are tired of lies and empty promises," the letter reads.
The community vowed to continue protesting until their demands are met and called on Premier Phumulo Masualle and the relevant government departments to visit Alicedale and address them.
The MECs are expected to be in Alicedale on Thursday, 16 April.
anele@grocotts.co.za
