Thembisa forum gathers locals to resolve issues in community

Thembisa Community Forum hosted a community meeting on October 29, inviting residents to actively participate in discussions on a range of community issues affecting the township.

The meeting was held in the field next to the Rabasotho Police Station intending to strengthen the sense of community and address urgent concerns.

The gathering intended to foster communication, obtain input, and provide solutions for problems like electrical blockage and bridging, foreign-owned spaza stores, the Mooifontein cleanliness drive, and other topics that came up.

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The community meeting was attended by a diverse group of Thembisa residents, including community leaders, local business owners, concerned citizens, and representatives from different community organisations.

According to the spokesperson of the forum, Xolani Mnisi, they provide a platform for open and constructive discussions, allowing individuals to voice their opinions, share experiences, and propose actionable ideas for the betterment of the community.

“The problem of power cutting and bridging, which has been a recurring issue in various sections of Thembisa, was one of the main issues brought up during the discussion. Locals voiced their displeasure with the frequent power outages and the pressing need for quick fixes.

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“To lessen the effects of power outages, we as the TCF provided recommendations included working with the municipality by paying the rates, educating people about appropriate electricity use, and looking into alternate energy sources.”

Foreign-owned spaza shops also garnered attention during the meeting.

Concerns were raised about the alleged revelations that they are selling expired products to customers.

“A concerning number of reports have surfaced of foreign-owned spaza shops selling expired food items.

“We as the residents of Thembisa are not happy as the sale of expired products poses significant health risks to residents. It can potentially lead to foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and other adverse health effects.”

The Mooifontein cleaning campaign, the initiative aimed at promoting cleanliness and environmental sustainability, was another subject of discussion.

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“Residents were encouraged to be active in community participation in such projects to create a cleaner and healthier living environment for all residents even for those that have died.”

Various other topics were brought to the table, including road infrastructure improvements, community safety initiatives, education and youth development programs, and healthcare accessibility.

These matters will be further analysed and prioritised by the forum in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the community’s needs and aspirations are adequately addressed.