Letter: Residents abandoned

Ward 6 councillor Tammy Colley writes:

It is still quite surreal to think back on the events which began unfolding on July 10.

I am sure many of us thought that the violence and unrest would not reach us.

But reach us it did!

During a time of chaos, it is rational to expect some direction from the leadership, both political and administrative, of our municipality.

The silence was however deafening.

The calls for a special council to sit to discuss the unfolding events fell on deaf ears.

It was left to the residents to rally together to protect their communities and businesses.

Credit must be given where it is due, and as a community we need to acknowledge the fantastic work which was done by our community policing forums, neighbourhood watches, security companies, businesses, taxi associations, the newly formed GBOC and every resident who rallied and came together to protect our community.

‘Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity” – H. Jackson Brown.

This was the opportunity for KwaDukuza municipality to show all its residents that it is a caring government that holds the best interest of its communities before the factional divisions which are within the ruling party.

This cost to the municipality may not be financial, but it has certainly lost credibility.

Nelson Mandela once said ‘May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.’

By not showing strong leadership, perhaps what was shown last week is the greatest fear of the municipality: Communities working together across all divides to a common purpose, unity.

The DA extends its thanks to each and every organisation and individual who played a positive part in the aftermath of the riots.

Every man and woman who braved the cold at the checkpoints are local heroes.