Forestdale women call for action on neglect and service failures
Women urge leaders to address neglect, housing issues, and social challenges in Forestdale.
A Women’s Day gathering in Forestdale became a platform for residents to speak out against the area’s neglect, poor service delivery, and deteriorating infrastructure.
Hosted by the Forestdale Senior Citizens Club, the packed community hall welcomed newly-elected Mayor Mcebo Mkhize and Amajuba District Municipality’s Mr Ngema. Many attendees were elderly residents, who appreciated the leaders’ presence.
One resident admitted she had “no idea” who her local councillor was.
“Politicians only visit during elections. Then we never see them again. Forestdale is forgotten, so it means a lot that the mayor and Mr Ngema came today,” she said.
Speakers criticised the poor quality of RDP houses, completed around five years ago, and called for unity in tackling drugs and other social issues. Teacher Mrs Smith shared her concern for pupils facing difficult home lives.
“I pray for these children. Our community must stand together to help them,” she urged.
Mavis Chalmers from SAPS addressed gender-based violence, urging women to speak out. “Never empower an abuser by staying silent. Your voice is your power,” she said.
Mayor Mkhize expressed his honour at attending and promised to be accessible to residents. “There is no such thing as skin colour. We are all equal in God’s eyes. I will inspect the RDP houses and look for ways to improve conditions,” he pledged.
The event concluded with the unveiling of a Wall of Honour for influential Forestdale women, both past and present. Relatives lit candles, certificates were awarded, and community activist Queenie Thompson received special recognition for her long-standing fight for better living conditions. Emotional, she told the crowd: “I am just one person, but together we are powerful.”
A large cake, sponsored by Pick n Pay, was cut by Mayor Mkhize alongside special guest Doris Robson (93), who named Forestdale. For the women of the community, it was an afternoon of both celebration and determination.
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