Fed up with what they describe as ‘unfair billing and failing services’, frustrated Newcastle West residents took their concerns straight to Mayor Xolani Dube on Wednesday, November 5.

Organised by the Concerned Newcastle Citizens (CNC) group, the large crowd marched from Trim Park to the municipal offices, calling for urgent action on rising rates and poor service delivery.

Traffic officials closed off Scott Street as protesters, carrying placards and chanting, demanded their voices be heard.

CNC Deputy Chairperson Dr Mduduzi Hlatshwayo led the group and handed over a memorandum outlining the community’s grievances — including what they called exorbitant charges, billing failures, a flat rate system, and an Eskom supply.’

The memorandum outlined what the group termed a catalogue of failures, such as systemic billing incompetence, exploitative electricity tariffs, and the general collapse in service delivery.

Municipality manager, Zamani Mncineka, signed the receipt of the memorandum.

The residents expect a formal, written response from his office, addressing each demand in detail, by Monday, November 10.

Protesters warned that failure to provide the community with a satisfactory response and a clear, time-bound action plan will result in ‘an immediate and significant escalation of peaceful protest action, including sustained mass demonstrations, sit-ins, and legal action.’

“Dube accepted the memorandum, but he was dismissive and sarcastic about the seriousness of the issue.”

“I can see us coming back here,” Dr Hlatshwayo concluded.

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