By Amahle Cele
The Makana Citizens Front (MCF) says if the water crisis is to be alleviated and other crises such as corruption eradicated in the Makana Municipality, local citizens must stand up and voice their concerns.
MCF chairperson, Lungile Mxube, stressed the urgency of citizen involvement. “We need the people of Makana to stand up and voice their concerns. Our community’s strength lies in its collective action,” Mxube asserted. His remarks underscored the importance of direct engagement between residents and their representatives.
Mxube was speaking at the organisation’s public meeting at the Recreation Hall on Tuesday.
Other MCF’s leadership at the meeting were Kungeka Mashiane and newly-elected Lena May and Mncedisi Papu.
The meeting sought to also reinforce the organisation’s People’s Water Right Signature Campaign, with which it aims to collect 20 000 signatures from residents and to secure R6m in legal aid. The funding is intended to resolve the water crisis and combat potential corruption, the meeting heard.
“The grass of Makana must be eaten by the cows of Makana,” Mxube declared at the meeting, reflecting on the MCF’s philosophy of local empowerment and self-sufficiency.
In a significant development, the MCF announced the deployment of May to the role of PR councillor, focused on public safety. Papu was also appointed as a PR councillor under the corporate sector, aiming to bridge gaps between municipal workers, the municipality and the public.
May told the meeting that the organisation was open to all Makana residents and emphasized its non-political stance. A former DA councillor, May also addressed the widespread loss of faith in the current city leadership.
She said the primary purpose of the meeting was to tackle the severe water shortage that has been impacting the community. “Our aim is to address the water crisis head-on and ensure that every resident has a platform to voice their concerns directly,” said May.
The MCF was established on 16 June, 2021, during a major community shutdown. The organisation has been a staunch advocate for non-racialism and community-driven solutions. The organisation’s commitment to inclusive and equitable practices was highlighted in the meeting.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for all Makana residents to participate actively in the campaign and other community efforts. The MCF continues to advocate for transparency and effective solutions to improve the quality of life in Makana.
