Ikageng residents embark on a protest

Residents of Ikageng marched from the Ikageng Stadium to the Dan Tloome Chambers to voice the concerns, last Thursday, 29 October.

Upon their arrival, Samuel Mokobane spoke as a concerned resident and read the memorandum on behalf of other residents. The points highlighted in the memorandum included the high rates and taxes the residents are expected to pay. Another was the alleged corruption and maladministration within the municipality and the third, the poor condition of the roads and service delivery in general. The residents further requested to buy electricity directly from Eskom rather than through the municipality. They also called for an end to the privatisation of refuse removal services.

The impact of the “forced marriage” to Ventersdorp imposed on the community of greater Potchefstroom was always going to be an issue. They argued that community members were not involved in the discussions before the towns combined and they are now the ones taking the fall for it.
The protest followed several meetings of community members in different areas who noticed they were dealing with similar problems.

In the absence of the administrator, Ofentse Masibi, the director of public safety, accepted the memorandum. The residents hope to get a response within 14 days.

William Maphosa, the municipal spokesperson, confirms the memorandum has been received and is being assessed. He reassures the community that they will respond in due course.