The West Rand is one of the strongholds of the ANC in Gauteng. Since the ushering in of the democratic dispensation, the region has been under the governing party. All the municipalities that fall under this region are also led by the ANC government.
The West Rand is one the regions that religiously vote for the ANC, as indicated above. However, there is lack of development in the region. In simple terms, there is no service delivery. Is the ANC in Gauteng using the region as the voting cow?
Munsieville, which is a stone’s throw away from Krugersdorp and named after James Munsie, is one of the oldest townships in the region. Kagiso and Mohlakeng were established by people moving from Munsieville because the township was overpopulated. Yet the location is one of the least developed ones in the Gauteng province.
In Munsieville, there are only three schools: two primary and one high school. From the 1960s to the 1980s, there was no high school in the area. Most kids from there attended high school in Kagiso and surrounding areas. Yet there is no plan from the provincial government to build more schools there.
Chamdor used to be a thriving industrial area, employing many people. However, many companies have since moved to other areas such as the East Rand. This has contributed to the high unemployment rate in the surrounding areas. What’s the Province’s plan to curb unemployment in the region? None whatsoever.
There is no improved transport system on the entire West Rand.
Residents rely on taxis and the unreliable Metrorail trains, which are no longer an option for many. So, there is no alternative form of transport for commuters except for taxis. Yet areas such as Soweto and Tshwane have Rapid Bus Transport system as an alternative.
West Rand citizens are very peaceful, if not passive. They hardly march to the Provincial Government offices to demand service delivery. And the provincial government is aware of that. I hope one day they will wake up from their slumber and hold the democratic government accountable.
Otherwise, the status quo will remain.
