More than 70 residents gathered for a protest on Randfontein Road in Rietvallei on Tuesday, August 25, to express their frustration with their ward councillor.

Police and Mogale City Public Safety officials monitored the situation as roads were blocked during the demonstration.

Resident Lydia Njado said the protest was prompted by frustration over several service delivery issues, particularly water and sanitation, which residents believe their ward councillor has not adequately addressed. Residents feel their voices must be heard and want a representative who will actively engage and address community challenges.

The demonstrators allege that Mogale City Ward 3 councillor Shabier Dabhelia has failed to address local issues and asked the municipality to intervene and remove him.

Dabhelia acknowledged that the community is struggling with several service delivery issues.

“Water, sanitation and other basic municipal services are matters that must be taken seriously, and I fully understand the frustration of residents when service delivery does not meet the standard they expect and deserve.”

• Read the initial article here: Watch: Randfontein Road blocked due to protest

He explained that Rietvallei has established structures through which service delivery concerns can be reported, monitored, followed up and escalated. The area is divided into four residential blocks, each with a democratically elected community representative, alongside an active Ward Office in Rietvallei supported by a Municipal Community Liaison Officer.

“We utilise WhatsApp groups for the respective blocks. These provide a practical mechanism for residents to raise issues within their specific residential areas, allowing matters to be identified, consolidated, monitored and followed up more effectively. Importantly, there is also a formal Ward Committee reporting mechanism. Ward Committee members complete monthly reports capturing matters arising within their respective areas. These reports are submitted through the appropriate municipal governance structures to the Office of the Speaker for attention,” he said.

Dabhelia emphasised that it is important to distinguish between the responsibility of a ward councillor and that of the municipality’s operational and technical departments. A ward councillor cannot personally repair a water pipeline, resolve a sanitation infrastructure failure or deploy technical teams, as those responsibilities rest with the relevant municipal departments.

“My role is to represent residents, ensure that concerns reach the appropriate structures, monitor progress and advocate for interventions where necessary.”

Mogale City MMC for Public Safety Francis Magkhato was present at the protest and confirmed that residents were protesting over the ward councillor.

Magkhato said the municipality would engage with residents and investigate the matter.

He also confirmed that police and Public Safety officials acted swiftly to de-escalate the situation. No arrests or injuries were reported.