Frustrated Mondlo residents have warned AbaQulusi Local Municipality that their latest protest could be the last time they demonstrate peacefully.
On Friday, residents marched to the municipal offices in Mondlo, citing what they allege is a complete lack of service delivery. A memorandum, handed over to officials, highlighted demands ranging from road maintenance and water supply to electricity tariffs and infrastructure upkeep.
Electricity emerged as one of the community’s most pressing concerns. Residents say that rising tariffs, fluctuating unit prices and poorly maintained infrastructure are leaving them in dire straits. They called on the municipality to regularly service pole boxes, power lines and streetlights. Concerns were also raised about the alleged misuse of community war rooms.

March convener Mfanafuthi Mhlungu, from Ward 19 Kwa-Bhekumthethwa, said that residents have repeatedly written letters and requested meetings with municipal officials, but their appeals have gone unanswered.
“We are tired. It’s time we show our municipality that we know our rights. Should they fail to respond to this memorandum, as usual, we will take further steps against them,” Mhlungu said.
He added that residents continue to face water shortages, with some areas only receiving supply for seven days a month. In other sections of the township, taps installed a decade ago have reportedly never worked.
Philisiwe Zwane, from Block B in Ward 20, echoed these frustrations, saying the community has been waiting for new streetlights for years.

“Our power is often cut when there are strong winds and rain. We live in fear that the poles might fall on us and electrocute our children and animals,” Zwane said.
The memorandum was received by AbaQulusi Municipality’s Community Services director, Thandokuhle Mthembu, on behalf of the mayor. Mthembu declined to comment on a similar memorandum submitted during a February protest.
“I don’t have enough proof that the municipality did not respond, and today I am receiving this memorandum from a different convener,” he said. Mthembu confirmed he would forward the latest document to the relevant departments.

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