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Residents have had it in chunks 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 3 May 2022 "A municipality cannot be run by friends and family who don't even have a Grade 12 qualification. Everyone is acting, but nobody steps up to take the blame for the failures." Chaos erupted at Msukaligwa Local Municipality on Thursday, 28 April 2022, when a number of answer-seeking community members arrived at the municipal offices. Whilst the main reason for the gathering was the fact that they have been left without water and electricity for more than ten days while municipal officials beat around the bush, they also vented their frustration at the alleged nepotism and corruption within the municipality. According to the well known community champion, Mzwandile Zulu, several decisions have been made within the municipality that contravenes both the ANC mandate, as well as the rules of conduct as set forth in the constitution. According to Zulu, far-reaching decisions were made during a council meeting where an inadequate number of councillors were present. Therefore all members of council were either not aware or consulted on decisions taken by the acting troika members. The question of the original troika members also lingered, where the community stated that the elected troika was unlawfully removed, and replaced with the action trio, who had allegedly been appointed through means of nepotism. On the day, the community demanded answers as to the lack of transparency at the municipality, and the empty promises made by the acting leadership. Despite the fact that, according to the community, the municipality stated that a transformer was the cause of the extended electrical in a large area, which included Everest and Thusi Village, they failed to deliver the needed repairs and replacement in the timeframe promised. The municipality had relayed a message to the community that the transformer would be fixed a week prior to the date of the community protest. However, no action had been taken by the municipality at the time of the gathering. From behind barred entrance gates, the municipality provided a proof of payment for the equipment needed, and claimed that the transformer would be delivered on the same day 28 April 2022. However, residents were having none of it, claiming it's just more deception from the municipality. Community leaders demanded to speak to one of the municipal leadership, of which none were to be found. The acting mayor, municipal manager and speaker were nowhere to be found, which further infuriated residents. Instead of a person in a leadership position stepping up and taking the rap, it was left to councillors and community leaders to convey messages to try and quell the fed-up community. Instead of municipal leaders taking charge of the situation and providing clarity on questions from the community, the municipality opted to bar the entrance to the municipality. Thousands of Rands in income had been lost, as residents who wished to pay their utility bills were turned away due municipal officials refusing to unlock the entrance gates. The security company employed by the municipality had blatantly refused to unlock the entrance, despite pleas from several councillors. With the acting mayor and municipal manager disappearing like needles in a haystack, Cllr Zulu was forced to step up to the plate, attempting to answer the questions set fort by the community. However, he could only provide limited answers, being an outsider himself, while municipal top brass allegedly take important decisions behind closed doors. The elected council is reportedly hampered around every corner, being excluded from important decisions which require a majority vote to pass. Community members also claim that the top structure at the municipality has laid off various long-time municipal employees to make way for friends, wives, girlfriends and more, who are reportedly wholly unqualified to perform their duties. Some of the alleged cadre employments do not, according to Mzwandile Zulu, possess a Grade 12 qualification. This is one of the fundamental requirements of employment, which is circumvented. "The acting leadership should step down at Msukaligwa Local Municipality. There is no accountability in the municipality. First and foremost, they have been appointed to their positions without the mandate being followed. Protocol has been breached with their employment at the municipality, which flies directly in the face of what President Ramaphosa had said during the recent ANC election rally. Corruption is running rampant while the community suffers. The entire town is going to the dogs while the leadership at Msukaligwa fight for the political top positions. If you don't agree with the methods, you simply get removed without warning. The community needs selfless leadership, which adheres to the mandate set forth my the ANC. Instead, they are making up their own rules, and in so doing they violate the constitution and the rights of the community. How is this acceptable?" Mzwandile Zulu said. He also stated that the political power play within the municipality is bringing the municipality, services and everything surrounding it, to its knees. The decisions taking behind closed doors are negatively affecting the community and businesses of Msukaligwa. "How can a decision be taken when a large number of council members are not present to partake in the decision? Fourteen council members out of more than thirty were present, and major decisions have been taken which serve no purpose other than political power plays. Whenever there are questions to be answered, they run and hide in their offices. How can a municipality function if there is nobody in the office, as they claim? There is nobody to take responsibility for what is happening to our town. Look at the roads. Look at the business district. Look at the informal settlements. It is a disgrace. It is one acting official after the next acting official, of whom none have a stake in our community. They are brought in from outside locations and unconstitutionally and unlawfully placed in power positions, without being elected. President Ramaphosa has clearly stated the mandate and requirements to be elected, but a large number of power positions are filled by dropouts, who have friends in high places. A municipality cannot be run by friends and family who don't even have a Grade 12 qualification. Everyone is acting, but nobody steps up to take the blame for the failures,” he said with disdain. The community has vowed to return, and demand that a complete cleanup of the municipality be put in order. Demands include that the acting troika step down, and that an internal investigation and audit be conducted within Msukaligwa Local Municipality to oust the political rot. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

MLM sheds light on municipal load shedding 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 7 July 2020 “The Executive Mayor of MLM has been on Community radio stations several time explaining load reductions, and it also forms part of State of Municipal Address which was streamed live on the Municipal Facebook page, and simulcasted in community radio stations. No one said the load reductions is permanent solution. The Tribune recently communicated with Msukaligwa Local Municipality, regarding the remedy to the load shedding situation, and posed a number of questions to the communication department. As municipal load shedding is not a long term solution to the issues faced by the municipality, it is not acceptable to appease the community with statements claiming that “they are working on a solution”, but no further indication as to the way forward. The reply received to the aforementioned is as follows: “The Executive Mayor of MLM has been on Community radio stations several time explaining load reductions, and it also forms part of State of Municipal Address which was streamed live on the Municipal Facebook page, and simulcasted in community radio stations. No one said the load reductions is permanent solution. Load reduction is due the power demand that has spiked, during winter months which is exacerbated by the illegal connections a fact that is denied by good-self. In averting possible power blackouts, the municipal implement the load reductions which is standard norm in situations like this, Eskom is doing it and individual households does it when there’s overload. The municipality on an ongoing program is implementing the cutting off of the illegal connections from grid. The municipal has engaged for an increase Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) for all strained substations, it must be noted that the process is a cumbersome and long process that will also have huge financial implications. The municipality has developed electricity infrastructure master in order to address capacity and infrastructure challenges within Msukaligwa Local Municipality. The projected funds needed to address the capacity and infrastructure is R81 416 785.21. The municipality has since submitted the plan to national and provincial government,” Mandla Zwane, MLM spokesperson, stated. The Tribune also enquired as to will be held responsible for damages suffered by residents who are left without electricity extended periods of time. Rotting meat, deep freezes running down, and food spoiling in fridges, as well as damage to electronics are included, amongst others. MLM dodged elaborating on the question, and simply stated “anyone who has a complaint with municipality, referred such to municipality.” Therefore it can be assumed that residents who suffer damages due to lack of service provision from MLM must approach the legal department to submit a claim against the municipality. Lastly, the Tribune enquired as to what MLM plans to improve communication during electrical outages, as a myriad of residents complain that either the call centre does not answer the phone, or the outage is not attended to in a timely manner. Updates on restoration times often do not reflect the actual restoration of electricity. “During the power outages, sometimes the Call Centre is also affected, the calls are get in as the telephone system at the Call Centre function only when there’s power. The municipality has proactively issued schedules for the load reductions. The municipality is in the procurement process of a new hybrid telephone system, and hosting of the contact Centre is at the advanced stage. The municipality urges the public to have patience, as this matter is been addressed/resolved. The incessant power outages put a strain on the Municipality as well.” Zwane concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

COSATU displays power on day of action 1/3 Share GK Cronje 11 Oktober 2022 An organized and paceful march proceeded through the streets of Ermelo, towards Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) On Friday, 7 October 2022, members of the SACP and COSATU braved the sweltering heat to partake in the national strike and day of action. An organized and paceful march proceeded through the streets of Ermelo, towards Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), where a memorandum was handed over and signed. However, upon arrival at MLM, the crowd did not have any inclination of entertaining the mayor, Cllr Nkosi’s speech. Instead she was booed and did not present a statement. The group expressed their solidarity with workers and residents suffering under the current leadership and economic climate. The group expressed concern over employers who fail to adhere to labour laws and the stipulated remuneration increases and unnecessary retrenchments. Furthermore, the firm directive to fight corruption, nepotism, load shedding, load reduction, gender based violence, gender pay gaps, and to assert the Collective Bargaining Agreements. The also lamented the slow implementation of law enforcement and prosecution of criminals. Lastly, lifestyle audits of officials are demanded, and that politically exposed be banned from doing business with the state. Many other issues have also been raised, to which the recipients of the memorandum has 14 days to reply to. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Slaggat-hel maak die lewe moeilik 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 1 December 2020 Die Tribune het navraag gedoen rakendie die plan van aksie vanaf MLM, en teen tye van pers het die munisipaliteit die navraag bloot ignoreer. Inwoners sit met hul hande in die hare met die agteruitgang van Ermelo se paaie, en die skade wat hul ly as gevolg van die enorme slag- en sinkgate. Van die groot klagtes is van motoriste wat gebruik maak van Havenga Weg en Merino Straat, waar dit ‘n nagmerrie is om uit te swaai sodat jou voertuig se bande nie beskadig word nie. In Havenga Weg is daar net gruis en sand deur Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) gestrooi, wat van geen nut is siende die reën meeste van die reuse slaggate oopspoel. Die konstante stroom swaarvoertuie help ook nie veel nie, en die oppervlakte van die pad gaan agteruit op ‘n daaglikse basis. Kleiner voertuie moet draaie ry om die stukkies teer raak te ry, en die skerp klippe en gruis verniel motoriste se bande. Motoriste in Merino Straat moet aan die verkeerde kant van die pad ry, en aankomende verkeer moet toegee, siende dat groot dele van die padoppervlak gesaai is met slaggate, sommige met ‘n diepte van bykans 20cm. MLM het in Maart 2020 ‘n groot deel van die pad opgegrou by die Merino en Feniks kruising, wat tot hede net so gelaat is, sonder om die omliggende area op te ruim, of die oppervlak weer te teer. Motoriste wat gebruik maak van die pad moet oor diekruising kruip om skade aan hul voertuie te verhoed. Bourommel lê op die sypaadjies, en die kruising, gepaard met die groot aantal slaggate, vererger die vloei van verkeer. Klagtes was ook ingedien rakende die slaggate tydens die reënseisoen, waar die uitermatige aantal slaggate bykans onsigbaar is, veral in die donker. Die Tribune het navraag gedoen rakendie die plan van aksie vanaf MLM, en teen tye van pers het die munisipaliteit die navraag bloot ignoreer. < Previous Article Next Article >

Smouldering refuse leaves residents disgusted 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 20 September 2022 For months, residents and businesses have complained about refuse skip bins not being emptied, but instead being set alight. The lack of effective law enforcement in Ermelo has long been a thorn in the sides of residents and businesses, especially with regards to council properties. The issue of effective refuse removal and management had also come under the spotlight recently, with the Pet Dam, residential wards and the CBD being a veritable pigsty, flooded in refuse. For months, residents and businesses have complained about refuse skip bins not being emptied, but instead being set alight. The resulting smog is of great frustration, not to mention the health hazards. Ignored complaints of vagrants that have settled in a dilapidated public restroom at a popular shopping complex in the CBD also takes its toll, and these individuals, as well as the ghastly state of the area, are slowly creeping under the skin of surrounding residents and businesses. “I can't open the windows to my flat anymore, because the soot and smoke from the perpetually smouldering skip bins, along with the piles of refuse set alight on a near-daily basis, engulf my residence. The smell chokes us, and the smell from the building makes you nauseated,” a resident complained. Businesses in the area also suffer, with the parking area being littered with all manner of refuse, and shady characters lurking about, wringing their idle hands. “The vagrants are a big issue. One feels unsafe if you are constantly watched by drug-addled individuals every second of every day. You worry about your vehicle's wellbeing, you worry about being mugged. It's extremely stressful. Some days there are individuals openly abusing substances at this building, and no action is taken,” lamented another. On scene, the stench of urine and feaces, coupled with the piles of refuse lining the interior of the vandalized building is overwhelming, with the Tribune noting at least six different individuals entering and exiting the building, while clearly acting nervous and erratic. An enquiry had been sent to Msukaligwa Local Municipality regarding this issue, as well as the removal of refuse, which is being neglected. The municipal spokesman, Mandla Zwane, failed to provide feedback to enquiries lodged. Yopu may view more photos and a video on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Die onderskeidings rol steeds in 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 4 May 2021 Victor Kruger added another distinction to his list and his total is: Afr FAL 93 %), LO (88 %) and Life Science (80%). Na afloop van die 2020 NSC hermerk, spog nog Liggies met nog onderskeidings. Die totale aantal onderskeidings vir die klas van 2020 is 'n allemintige 167. Die volgende vakke het onderskeidings bygekry: Wiskunde het nou 22 onderskeidings, English FAL het 12 A's, Lewenswetenskappe het 8 A's en CAT 2 A's. Jané Bosman spog nou met vier onderskeidings in: Wiskunde (88%), LO (87 %), Eng FAL (82 %) en CAT (80 %). Victor Kruger kan drie onderskeidings agter sy naam aanteken: Afr FAL (93 %), LO (88 %) en Lewenswetenskap (80%). The remarking of the 2020 NSC exam meant five more distinctions for the class of 2020 and brings to total number of A's to 167. The following subjects brought in more distinctions: Math can now boast with 22 A's, English FAL with 12 A's, Life Science with 8 A's and CAT with 2 A's. Jané Bosman earned two more distinctions and her total is: Math (88%), LO (87 %), Eng FAL (82 %) and CAT (80 %). Victor Kruger added another distinction to his list and his total is: Afr FAL 93 %), LO (88 %) and Life Science (80%). < Previous Article Next Article >

A blaze waiting to break out 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 24 August 2021 The innards of what is left of the kiosk has been haphazardly taped, but elements and UV rays have made the insulation brittle. A jerry-rigged electrical kiosk in Wes Street that has seen better days, is considered as a fire hazard waiting to happen. The innards of what is left of the kiosk has been haphazardly taped, but elements and UV rays have made the insulation brittle. A high voltage cable, which is supposed to be buried underground, is also visible next to the kiosk. Further concerning is the fact that the kiosk is located within a rather deep indent in the ground, which will fill with water in a matter of minutes in the coming rain season. < Previous Article Next Article >

Stray cattle wreaks havoc 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 11 May 2021 Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. The issue of stray livestock in Ermelo residential areas, parts of the CBD and the outskirts has been ongoing for years, with no action on part of Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) and its departments. In this case, by-laws are wholly ignored and remain unenforced by authorities, creating a vicious cycle of frustration, property damage and danger for motorists. Various residents have reported that their dogs get uncontrollably riled up by stray livestock roaming the residential wards, most notably in the De Bruin Park area. Reports have come in from residents stating that livestock has gotten so used to residential traffic and scolds from angry residents that not even car horns spook these cattle when they loaf around the streets, impeding traffic and grazing on the sidewalks of residences. Several motorists have narrowly avoided colliding with these bumbling animals, who couldn’t care less for oncoming traffic. Motorists having to swerve, brake suddenly and drive on the opposite side of the roadway to avoid these animals pose a grave danger for motorists, pedestrians and the cattle alike. This issue, however, is not confined to the CBD and residential wards, as several complaints have been lodged by residents regarding cattle grazing the graveyards, trampling precious memories and damaging vases, flowers and other memorabilia left to honor those long gone. Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. At this time, both MLM and the SAPS in Ermelo turn a blind eye to the growing issue, which have, and will again, result in a loss of life as motorists collide with stray animals which are left to their own devices. Stray cattle have been reported lounging around the non-working traffic light at the Church- and Voortrekker Streets intersection. The photo right depicts the damage a motorist suffered after colliding with a stray calf in Border Street, which darted across the road while shrouded in darkness. < Previous Article Next Article >

DWS owed nearly R600M 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 21 September 2021 It’s not all bad news, though. MLM has managed to whittle their water debt down from R676 million over the span of a year. However, as demand increases, so does the debt, and in turn, so does the repayment. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has urged the public to continue using the available water wisely, sparingly and in a more conservative manner as the Spring and Summer approaches. However, the department also made the announcement of ballooning municipal debt. Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has officially taken the crown from the notorious trio, Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, Lekwa Local Municipality and Emalahleni Local Municipality, with debt owed to the DWS to the tune of R598 417 326. This is money that could have gone towards the delivery of services. MLM has become synonymous for water supply shortages, water outages and dubious water quality due to dilapidated infrastructure. This further aggravated by the fruitless and irregular expenditure of nearly R60 million, as per the 2019/2020 annual report. Later figures were not available at time of publication. An actual water distribution loss of approximately 42% was reported. The losses and debt aren’t the least of MLM’s worries, though. Ermelo and the surrounding areas are rapidly expanding, and a significant increase in demand of water has been noted. Adequate water provision is still a major issue for the municipality, so much so that they have been dragged to the Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) due to the lack of running and potable water within its areas of governance. Following a massive hoopla and extensive investigations, MLM was, for all intents ad purposes, forced to provide service delivery to destitute residents struggling with water provision. At great financial strain, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, announced the Greater Breyten Water Supply Scheme project in Warburton in March 2021. The project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2024, will ensure that the residents in Breyten, Chrissiesmeer, Lothair and Warburton will have access to water. It’s not all bad news, though. MLM has managed to whittle their water debt down from R676 million over the span of a year. However, as demand increases, so does the debt, and in turn, so does the repayment. Feedback is being awaited from the Rand Water Board regarding the status of MLM. According to the latest figures, at 84.0%, the Morgenstond Dam in the Gert Sibande District is the only dam that remained unchanged in the province. The rest of the listed dams in the district continued to drop, with Grootdraai Dam dropping from 79.9% to 79.3%, Nooitgedacht from 95.1% to 95.0%, Vygeboom from 93.9% to 92.9%, Jericho from 71.4% to 70.5%, Westoe from 58.2% to 56.6% and Heyshope from 84.5% to 84.4%. The DWS encourages responsible water use to prevent the unnecessary loss of precious water in the province. At the time of publication, the relevant MLM departments failed to respond to enquiries submitted. < Previous Article Next Article >

Bethal lank genoeg as GMM stiefkind behandel The embattled GMM. The embattled GMM. 1/1 Share INHOUD VERSKAF 25 Augustus 2020 Bethal is nou lank genoeg as die ongewenste stiefkind behandel. Die VF Plus gaan hierdie kwessie na die provinsiale departement van samewerkende regering verwys vir ondersoek en om sodoende aanspreeklikheid by die munisipaliteit af te dwing. Mediaverklaring - Bethal het die afgelope week soms tot so lank as 24 uur geen kragvoorsiening gehad nie. Sake-ondernemings, ouetehuise en inwoners het groot ongerief en skade gely in die proses. Volgens bronne in die Govan Mbeki-plaaslike munisipaliteit het munisipale elektrisiëns moontlik doelbewus die krag na die dorp vir hierdie lang periodes afgesny aangesien hulle glo nie besoldig is vir oortyd-werk nie. Munisipale amptenare het later bevestig dat hierdie werknemers die vereiste werktyd van 40-uur per week oorskry het en dat betaling vir oortyd nie gemagtig is nie. Die VF Plus sal ondersoek instel na hierdie beweringe en indien dit waar is, sal die skuldige persone verantwoording moet doen. Dit is onaanvaarbaar dat dienslewering in Bethal gestriem word deur onbevoegdheid, munisipale wanadministrasie en binnegevegte. Die gebeure versterk die mening van die VF Plus dat Bethal en Emzinoni van die groter Govan Mbeki-munisipaliteit geskei moet word. Bethal is nou lank genoeg as die ongewenste stiefkind behandel. Die VF Plus gaan hierdie kwessie na die provinsiale departement van samewerkende regering verwys vir ondersoek en om sodoende aanspreeklikheid by die munisipaliteit af te dwing. < Previous Article Next Article >

DRLD farm allocation dream turns to corruption nightmare DRLD farm allocation dream turns to corruption nightmare 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 The terms and conditions of the contract requires applicants to jump through endless hoops, and submit a mountain of paperwork to be approved, only to have the rug pulled from under them as their farms flourish. Much to the excitement of emerging farmers, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRD) launched a programme where individuals could apply for available agricultural state land, as part of the government contribution to the land reform programme. According to the DLRD, government issued notices of 896 farms, measuring 700 0000 hectares of underutilized or vacant state land in various provinces. The lease agreement signed between the state and the beneficiary will be a legally binding contractual agreement, and will be legally binding for 30 years. The lease obligates the beneficiary to maintain all the infrastructure and upkeep of the land allocated to him/her. Beneficiaries will pay a monthly or annual rental fee per hectare determined by the state, consistent with the value of the land in line with area valuation. A credit management system will be put in place to manage debt recovery and management. This sounds idyllic, and a dream come true for cash-strapped prospective agriculture boffins. Alas, the dream has turned to a corruption nightmare, as complaints from farmers are surfacing with troubling regularity. A large number of farmers across all provinces, who have contracts with the state, and who has made a great success of their farms, are being strong-armed off their farms by government officials in a spectacular display of contract breach. Some farmers have been given only 24 hours to vacate their property, as DLRD officials pounce on these successful farms. Close to home, Amersfort farmer Swazi Motha, producer of maize, soya and dry beans for over 10 years, is one of the farmers caught in the breach of contract by the state. Motha is the coordinator of the Mkhululi Agri Union, which has been established to oppose the eviction of farmers who have contracts. More than 30 affected farmers reside in Mpumalanga. Maize and cattle farmer in Ermelo, John Mabasa, have also been subjected to the contract breach from the state. Mabasa has been tending to his farm since 2013, where his father and grandfather also farmed. Allegations of corruption from the state and its officials have since been the centre of attention, as some successful farmers have allegedly been offered to be relocated to other farms. This raises several questions, as to the logic behind state officials reclaiming successful farms, and breaching contract. Affected farmers are extremely unhappy with the U-turn by the DLRD and its officials. The terms and conditions of the contract requires applicants to jump through endless hoops, and submit a mountain of paperwork to be approved, only to have the rug pulled from under them as their farms flourish. At this point in time, there is no feasible explanation as to the behaviour of the DLRD. The Tribune ePaper have attempted on several occasions to engage with the DLRD. The Ermelo branch simply smacked down the phone in the journalist’s ear, and has since not answered the telephone at all. Attempts to contact a DLRD spokesperson, one Gugu Nkosi, yielded no result. The DLRD did also not respond to correspondence at the time of going to print. < Previous Article Next Article >

Breyten residents left high and dry 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 November 2021 Residents are left to fend for themselves as the water shortages and outages continue. Despite a successful complaint by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), the residents in Breyten and surrounding areas are still left without water for days on end, with little to nothing forthcoming from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) in terms of a solution to the water woes. In the letter that the DA submitted to the SAHRC, the focus of the Commission was called to the provision of water in Breyten, but more notably Skaapruiz and Nyibe. A slew of residents in Breyten, Chrissiesmeer and surrounding areas have been sitting with bone dry taps, or sporadic water supply of a mere two hours per day. The water issues in Breyten have been escalating for more than 6 months, with nothing but golden promises and poor excuses forthcoming from the municipality. “For a week we have been without water here in Breyten. The water supply is restored from 03:00 - 05:00, and after that there are no water in the taps. How is it acceptable for us to live like this?” a resident of Breyten lamented to the Tribune ePaper. Despite the big hoopla that had been made by the National Government regarding the Greater Breyten Water Supply Scheme Project, which will be completed in 2024, residents still suffer on a daily basis, with the 2024 completion date being but a speck on the dry horizon. “I work at a mine near Breyten, and the useless municipality expects me to make do with no water for weeks on end. It is a struggle on a daily basis, and Msukaligwa Municipality just doesn’t care. They don’t answer their phones, they don’t respond to complaints. They simply ignore as as if we are rubbish,” another resident stated. A few good Samaritans have made their boreholes available for neighbors to utilize, but charity can only extend so far, as lack of service delivery from MLM takes its toll. The promised water tankers from MLM also rarely make their arrival. “If the tankers arrive to deliver water, it is during the day. We are all at work during daytime, a tanker arriving at a closed door helps bugger all. The municipality just talks a load of rubbish, and makes empty promises that they fail to fulfill,” an extremely irate resident told the Tribune ePaper. Another resident lamented the constant barrage of alleged lies and tomfoolery from MLM with the greatest of disgust. “I have an entire folder of screenshots from messages that the municipality sends, filled with poor excuses promises they never deliver on. They think that we’re idiots, that we can’t see that they are lying. The stories that they fabricate are nowhere near the same as the stories that our ward councillors tell us,” another resident explosively stated. “The call centre is just another useless part of the municipality. All they feed us are lies upon lies, and the stories they make up doesn’t even remotely coincide with what the technicians and municipal speakers on the WhatsApp group tells us. They don’t even give us reference numbers, they don’t take our details. What is the use of a call centre, if they don’t answer the phones 99% of the time?” he barked angrily. Speaking to Msukaligwa Local Municipality on a previous occasion regarding the exact same issue, no tangible information had been forthcoming either. Apart from the copy and paste response that residents have come to expect by now, citing the usual scapegoats of lack of equipment, and the old faithful trump card stating lack of funds and a cut budget, to date, no concrete plan of action has been made available. In recent weeks, MLM claimed that vandalism of infrastructure, as well as equipment failure, amongst other issues, were to blame. However, there has been no action taken to actively remedy the situation in Breyten. Instead, the project from the DWS is being used a show horse to appease the residents, instead of immediate action being taken. “What is this nonsense about a water pipeline upgrade. We don’t care about upgrades. They just use it to pretend that they’re doing something for residents. We are struggling with water right now. Some of us have been without water for 5 months, and now the municipality comes with a story of water supply in 2024. What will that water help us in two years? Must we then live without water for two years until the municipality decides that it wants to care about residents? It is a joke.” a resident from KwaZanele told the Tribune ePaper. A large collective or residents have had absolutely no water since February 2021, and it’s not getting any better. Empty promises and tall tales from Msukaligwa Local Municipality further frustrates residents, and a complete lack of response from ward councillors further fan the flames. The Tribune ePaper lodged an enquiry with Msukaligwa Local Municipality, requesting a statement regarding the complaints with the SAHRC, and what Msukaligwa Local Municipality is doing to remedy the immediate situation to alleviate the plight of residents in Breyten and other areas. MLM replied with the following: “There's nothing untoward and/or unheard of in a constitutional democracy that a chapter nine institution, be it public protector or Human Rights Commission of South Africa, will from time to time intervene on behalf of the citizenry, and to issue out directives as and when they deem it necessary to any organ of state. This indicates the effectiveness of the chapter nine institutions.” Alas, residents are left to fend for themselves, as the water shortages and outages continue. < Previous Article Next Article >