The streets of Vryheid witnessed two separate marches on Thursday.
The Umkhonto weSizwe Party, together with community members, marched to the AbaQulusi Local Municipality offices in Market Street to submit a memorandum of demands.

The marchers voiced their concerns, which focused heavily on electricity. They said that load-reduction and frequent power disruptions are damaging household appliances. Another grievance was the high cost of electricity, saying it is unaffordable for many households and that electricity distribution should be returned to Eskom, particularly in townships and rural areas. Also on the agenda was municipal rates and billing, with unhappy residents saying that indigent support for senior citizens must be compulsory and municipal officials should re-think the interest rates charged on late payments, as they are excessively high.

Municipal officials who were present included AbaQulusi Local Municipality Speaker Nonkululeko Ndlela, Acting Municipal Manager Mr Mbongwa and Director of Corporate Services Mr Mhlongo. Other demands were that: the municipality should repair potholes, gravel roads and traffic lights; maintain cemeteries, parks and public spaces to restore dignity to the community; meet the 7% employment target for people with disabilities; and communities should have access to clean water. Regarding the latter, it was said that many residents face an unreliable water supply and that sewer blockages are not attended to. Another demand in this regard was that ageing pipes need to be replaced. “We demand urgent intervention and accountability from the municipality. Failure to address these issues will leave the community with no choice but to escalate its actions in pursuit of justice, dignity and service delivery,” read the memorandum. The AbaQulusi speaker signed the memorandum and vowed to address the demands with the relevant departments.

Moments after the MK members handed over their memorandum, Inkatha Freedom Party members were seen also marching to the municipal offices. A large group of people made their way to Market Street from Cecil Emmett, singing and dancing all the way. The IFP said the purpose of their march was to protect the town and ensure that municipal officials were unharmed. Their memorandum stated that: “To the councillors of AbaQulusi Municipality, we as the IFP AbaQulusi Constituency are here to tell you – fear not, we are fully behind you.” It went on to say that: “To the mayor, we commit to support your initiative in addressing the ageing infrastructure, replacement of damaged meters, stolen cables, closing of the potholes, and supporting the poorest of the poor through the indigent policy. We mandate the mayor to suspend load-reduction until all the unresolved matters have been attended to.” AbaQulusi Mayor Sifiso Mkwanazi and Speaker MaNdlela signed the memorandum.

These marches have left residents with more questions than answers. People voiced their opinions on social media platforms – some saying that Vryheid will never see change because politicians are playing their games. Some supported the MK for taking the initiative to march, while others supported the IFP for protecting the town.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.