I want to comment on front page comments on the Midrand Reporter by MMC for Public Safety Sello Lemao that if illegal strikers are arrested that will solve the problems in the area.
The residents association’s attempts to get answers on service delivery issues from the powers that be have been thwarted. Issues raised in a memorandum in July this year are still outstanding.
Over the past 20 years Rabie Ridge has been neglected. The situation can not be allowed to continue unattended. Our community has been silent for so long, but it is not an indicator that we are happy with service delivery, but rather that we are patient. Time has run out and things require urgent attention from government.
The main problems affecting Rabie Ridge are lack of housing, unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse, and hijackings by restless unemployed youth.
Service delivery protests are a symptom of underlying issues which need to be addressed. Simply arresting protesters is not enough to address the unrest. Lemao can not duck the responsibility on such matters. As a former councillor and school teacher in Rabie Ridge, Lemao is facing discontent sown during his time as councillor. Councillor Steven Lamula has been handed a poison chalice with these problems.
Read our previous story here:
Protesters should be brought to book
