For as long as we can recall, neighbours have crowded together in schools, churches or community halls to discuss the important issues affecting their communities.

Whether it is about a stop sign, the increase in crime or much needed development, community meetings have always been the entry point of democracy.

A community meeting might be the most democratic thing locals get involved in as a society, with its free flow of ideas, suggestions, and concerns, clarity on issues and so on.

Residents left the community meeting held at the Forderville Hall last night, Thursday, April 7, with more questions than answers.

The meeting, which started off in a very cold atmosphere as residents arrived at the meeting with looking despondent, soon got heated the moment community members had the platform to direct their concerns to the relevant persons.

Umtshezi Speaker Cesar Nunes briefly spoke about the merging of Umtshezi and Imbabazane municipalities before introducing the Mayor, Councillor Bongani Dlamini.

Mayor Dlamini said electricity tampering, outstanding rates and the need to clarify issues and deal with wrong perceptions prompted the meeting to be held.

He gave a lengthy talk on the implications one could face if caught tampering with electricity, once their investigation is complete, which includes being cut-off and issued a fine.

The mayor went on to urge all present to pay their rates and if one is unable, to approach the municipality for assistances.

He also touched on land invasion, asbestos roofing and potholes among other things. Then the long awaited moment arrived, the Mayor announced that residents could participate and ask questions or raise their concerns.

At first six questions were taken. Some residents questioned the long grass and verges, while others spoke about job opportunities and of course the water interruptions.

Eyes were rolled at the Manager of the Mayor’s Office, Manzi Hadebe as locals say he “hogged the microphone and consistently side-tracked the meeting.”

Then one angry resident got very vocal when he said, “It is very frustrating to know that now during Election Eve we see you guys,” and went on to question how long will the council fool everyone.

The communication soon turned into a screaming match as the resident refused to be silenced. Minutes later the resident was the first of the two asked to leave the meeting as the Mayor’s bodyguards approached the resident.

The mayor felt that the resident purely tried to voice his own agenda and spread negativity. Some residents’ voices were drowned out when they questioned the water interruptions.

Some questions asked were: when would the matter be resolved, why the water tanker does not go to other areas and when the interruptions will end.

In response to comments and questions, uThukela District Municipality Speaker, Tim Jeebodh told locals to “shut up or leave the meeting.”

He continued to tell residents they spoke “bullsh!t” and refused to listen to what had been said.
Communication with the panel was called off and a final prayer was requested.

Angry locals walked out as a prayer was said to close the meeting, saying they felt greatly disrespected.

Also that the meeting was “fake” as the municipality was not interested in hearing what residents think regarding to local matters.

Leaving the venue the crowd uttered that their input did not matter, their opinion was shut out and wanted to know how, a way forward will be paved with that kind of attitude.