On Wednesday evening, Ward 10 business people and homeowners attended a community meeting at the town hall to officially meet their councillor and address their grievances with her. Ward 10 Councillor Edith Lite began by introducing herself and her ward committee to the community.

The ward committee is delegated to specific municipal duties. Councillor Lite is the Chairperson of the ward committee, which includes various portfolios such as – safety and security, public transport, a youth desk and rates and taxes.

Councillor Lite began by saying: “I act as a liaison between the municipality and the community. Let us have a good relationship, don’t be afraid to bring issues to my attention. I am situated at an office in the Forderville Hall and once a week I visit the Colita Hall. I am currently arranging to meet at the town hall once a week.”

Councillor Lite issued out her contact details before pleading with the residents to refrain from turning to the media with their issues, adding that if they are unhappy with her in any way, to rather address it with her directly.

An apology was made for the mayor being unable attend as she was attending a ‘strategic meeting’ in the Drakensberg with other councillors. One by one, residents raised their hands to express their pleas and problems to be jotted down and addressed. Soon enough the small crowd grew annoyed and began to speak above one another.

Thus far, locals feel that Mayor Jabulile Mbele has no interest in meeting the community. Ward 10 residents had no intention of bottling up their feelings any longer and were very outspoken about burning issues that need to be addressed; from potholes to refuse removal. One resident expressed her frustration of having to clean up refuse even after it has been collected.

Councillor Edith Lite, on behalf of Mayor Mbele, assured the residents that by-laws will be abided by after a resident pressed to know whether they will be enforced. Another resident mentioned that prevention is better than cure; and questioned why locals have to bring issues to councillor’s attention when it’s their duty to sieve up problems and solve them.

Many of the residents shared each other’s sentiments and echoed each other’s views. One woman expressed her disgust for the current state of the town, comparing it to the ‘Gem of the Midlands’ it once was.

Councillor Lite asked residents to bear with Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality, as they are trying to find their feet after the elections and the strike.

Ward 10 residents are set to meet with the councillor and ward committee in the new year and they look forward to electing a sub-forum for the Community Policing Forum (CPF) as well as a report back on the issues they raised.