Water update: Gamede clan reveal why they shut down the water plant

During Premier Willies Mchunu’s visit yesterday (October 26), he and uThukela District Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko went to the Embizeni area to discuss the water situation with the Gamede clan.

The Gamede clan say they blocked the road that leads to the Ezakheni Water Treatment Plant to get their message across and for their cries to be heard.

In a letter that was read out by one of the Gamede family members, the main and, in fact, only issue was the alleged violence between the Madlala and Gamede clans.

“The reason why we closed the water works plant is because we are troubled by our so-called mayor, Vincent Madlala. We are sick and tired of him, and what bothers us the most is that his children brutally killed our family member, Kwanele.”

The letter further expressed the opinion that Mayor Madlala uses his ANC power as a tool to kill and get away with it, and that is the reason why they did not vote for the ANC.

The Gamede family also referred to an alleged incident in which they claim Mayor Madlala’s bodyguards went into a school and shot at boys belonging to their clan.

It all got emotional when the women of the clan broke down in tears when they were reminded of all the family members who have lost their lives and those in prison they believe are innocent.

Premier Willies Mchunu and District Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko assured the clan that they would resolve the matter and make sure this war between the families comes to an end.

Placards carried by the protesting family read “Madlala is degrading the ANC dignity and its legacy”, “Madlala is a failure”, “The ANC has no future under Madlala” and “Our brothers are innocent”.

“What did we do to Madlala?” a young girl asked with tears streaming down her face.

The water problem is an ongoing issue in the area, with residents struggling without running water since Monday.

Technicians are currently working to repair the damage and some areas could be without water for another 72 hours.

While the Ladysmith Gazette has been in contact with members of the Madlala clan, they have indicated that they will respond to the allegations in next week’s Ladysmith Gazette newspaper.

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