WATERVAL BOVEN – Following the large-scale destruction of public buildings in the town during service-delivery protests last week, residents of neighbouring Engwenya township have seemingly settled down.
Residents of Emakhazeni Local Municipality (ELM) are unhappy with the quality of their drinking water and a lack of general services, while rates are too high, they say.
A high school learner, Senias Jabulani Masete (21) was also shot and killed by police on Wednesday, after which community members burnt down a fire station and truck, as well as an old building of historical value which housed the municipal offices and clinic.
Mr Marius Bakkes, deputy chairman of the Mpumalanga Heritage Board, said it would cost somewhere between R8 million and R10 million to restore the single-storey stone building, which dates back to the late 1890s.
“It has changed over the years: the original wooden frames have been replaced with steel, but now it may possibly be restored to the original. The floor tiles have a mosaic design, typically of the Wilhemiens style of building, which could also still be saved.”
To fight the blaze, a fire truck had to be called from Belfast. In total 11 people were arrested for public violence and interfering with police duties during the week-long protest. The arson of the buildings is still being investigated.
The seven suspects who were arrested for possession of stolen property on Thursday, appeared in court on Friday. Each was released on bail of R500. Ms Alna Bothma, owner of the looted Model Drankwinkel, said it was the first time that she hd suffered such extensive damage.
“They targeted my most expensive alcohol. Many of the bottles were smashed on the floor. I think they were in a big hurry and just grabbed what they could.”
Her computer system ended up on the floor too. She estimated the damage at around R95 000. Luckily she had never had to claim from her insurance, but would do so now, she said.
At the time of going to press municipal manager, Ms Lizzie Tshabalala had not responded to questions about the damage caused by the protest and whether contingency plans were in place should another fire break out in the town.
Sources, however, reported that the main organisers of the protest had insisted that the mayor, chief whip and speaker of ELM be relieved of their positions, and threatened to expand their protest action to include Machadodorp, Dullstroom and Belfast should this demand not be met.
The executive mayor, Cllr Xolani Sydney Ngwenya, has steadfastly refused to address the protesters. He could not be reached for comment at the time of going to press.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said the matter remained within the municipality’s jurisdiction. Spokesman Mr George Mthethwa said that to escalate the matter to the provincial department “there are protocols that must be followed.
“The MEC can’t just intervene in another sphere of government”.
The Office of the Premier denied that it had received a request from the community to intervene. Spokesman Mr Zibonele Mncwango said the mayor was giving the matter his attention. “The municipality is handling the situation.”
He requested the public not to destroy public property while expressing their democratic right to protest.
