‘Action’ at Merafong’s payment incentive scheme launch
MMC and Operation Dudula members scuffle at Khutsong South.
What was supposed to be a relatively straight forward launch of the Merafong City Local Municipality’s new incentive programme to get money into its coffers, almost disrupted when a ruling party councillor and members of a new opposition party got involved in a scuffle.
The municipality launched its Nngwe ka Ngwe Payment Incentive Scheme at the Khutsong South multi-purpose centre this afternoon (Thursday 29 February). The scheme gives residents who owe the municipality more than a month’s outstanding money the opportunity to get 50 per cent off this historical debt once their pay their current account.
The event started with some community members already being edgy because most of Khutsong currently do not have water due to the municipality not paying its Rand Water account timeously. The event also started an hour late.
The Executive Mayor, Ms Nozuko Best, was still busy explaining how the incentive scheme works when a scuffle broke out toward the back of the hall between members of Operation Dudula and the MMC for Public Safety, Mr Lebogang Mangaliso. Mangaliso tried to stop three Operation Dudula members from going to the front of the hall to ask questions. Other members of the public had to pull them apart.
“How can you invite the community to a public event and not allow them to ask any questions, especially during a time like this when people do not have water?” one of the Operation Dudula members involved in the scuffle, Mr Fanie Manapula, asked afterwards.
According to these members, they had called Mr Thabo Mokuke, the councillor who opened the event and warned that no questions would be allowed, outside and tried to arrange for the public to ask “only five questions”. When he refused and they went back into the hall and tried to go to the front Mangaliso stopped them.
“They did this just because of politics. Everyone knows that it is election time and Operation Dudula has also registered to take part. We cannot let people like these intimidate our elders. This programme will also get money in so that the municipality can pay Rand Water,” Mangaliso retaliated.
He added that at least one of the members involved in “instigating” the scuffle is a disgruntled former ANC ward branch chairperson.
People who want to register for the scheme, can call 010 510 7073 or WhatsApp 071 437 2101 for more information.
