By Luvuyo Mjekula
The shutdown of Makhanda by residents demanding land may have ended on Wednesday, but it has left behind a bitter row among residents on social media. Anti-shutdown residents have sharply criticised the blocking of roads and closure of schools and businesses. But the “landless” group of residents have come out in defence of their actions.
Major roads in the town were blocked with rocks and rubble as hundreds of residents prepared to march to the City Hall on Wednesday morning to demand access to a piece of vacant municipal land – Erf 4807, also known as eGalfini, near the R67 in Joza.
The shutdown also affected schools and workers. Schoolchildren were either turned away on their way to school or sent back home by teachers to ensure their safety. Some workers stayed at home for safety reasons.
Heated arguments on social media
Social media platforms, especially the Grahamstown Anti Crime Facebook page, have been flooded with posts either condemning the shutdown or approving of the residents’ action. Grocott’s Mail extracted a few posts from the Grahamstown Anti Crime page: “I continue to submit that it is deeply concerning that a shutdown led by people protesting for issues involving land invasion was ever allowed to spill over into the schooling system,” wrote one resident.
However, a pro-shutdown member said the land struggle is real and in any struggle, sacrifices have to be made. “The youth of ’76, Fees Must Fall youth and many more young people across different eras, had to make sacrifices for the greater good.”
A post by an anonymous contributor, read: “But let’s be honest, you did not take into consideration that today we were supposed to write a maths test. But we could not write because we could not go to school. What about next week when trials start, what will we do as matrics?”
In response, a resident commented: “Well my child, in reality what we are trying to do is to find accommodation not just for us parents, but for you as children as well.” The writer added that when students marched against NSFAS, parents were there to support them.
Many other residents took part in the back-and-forth debate.
Empolweni Squatter Camp
The residents say they want the land and commit to developing it in a suitable and responsible manner and will comply with all relevant laws and regulations related to land development. They further want the municipality to commit to give them the necessary support and guidance in developing the land and ensure this is done in accordance with relevant policies.
“The memorandum of agreement represents a commitment by both parties to work together to address the land needs of the Mpolweni residents in accordance with the designated used of land as human settlement.”
Kate told the residents municipal leadership would study the document. He was given two days to come back with a response.
