Thembisa residents presented with the new budget framework
“We are aware of the issues in Thembisa and they are very critical,” said the newly appointed CoE executive mayor, Dr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.
The community strongly voiced their opinions when presented with the new integrated development plan (IDP) for the 2024/25 budget during an event held at Rabasotho Community Centre on 11 April.
The event aimed to provide the residents of Thembisa with details of the new budget.
The event was opened by Ward 5 Clr Patrick Tleane before a heated interaction between City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) representatives and the community broke out.
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The community demanded an open discussion before the actual presentation because they felt the CoE had failed them for a long time.
This caused the event to be put on hold while the stakeholders and the community debated a way forward.
They reached an agreement, and the event continued as planned.
“We are aware of the issues in Thembisa and they are very critical,” said the newly appointed CoE executive mayor, Dr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.
“We are moving around the issues of credit control, the provision of sustainable electricity, water and the cleanliness of the community.
“The reason we visited was to hear the strong voices of the community and learn about the issues,” he said.
Xhakaza added officials needed to be responsive to complaints.
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At the end of the meeting, the community still showed demonstrations of anger and disappointment from the presentation.
Residents said they hoped the proposed budget outlined work in favour of the people.
