“We have rights too!”– illegal Mooibank residents can’t vote
On Sunday, 19 September, an uproar occurred when residents of Mooibank, Azaniaville were denied the opportunity to register to vote in the upcoming local elections.
On Sunday, 19 September, an uproar occurred when residents of Mooibank, Azaniaville were denied the opportunity to register to vote in the upcoming local elections.
According to residents, six taxis came and collected a few members of the community while some walked to Potch Primary to register. Upon their arrival, however, things didn’t go as planned.
“We gave the IEC people the plot numbers that were given to us when we were moved, only to be told they don’t exist and that we won’t be able to register,” community leader, Charles Lekgetho (36) said angrily.
“They put up posters that encourage us to register within our area, yet we were denied an opportunity to do so.” The residents are furious as they feel their right to have a voice has been stripped away. “Why should we be punished when the municipality moved us here?” a community leader, Amos Molefe (42) asked.
Before being moved from Sarafina, the residents never experienced any issues in this regard because they had valid addresses.
According to William Maphosa, the municipal spokesperson, the IEC is forbidden to register people who occupy land illegally, which is the case in the Mooibank area.
“Although the council provides basic services on a humanitarian basis, they have still settled there illegally,” he said. “In fact, the Department of Land Affairs brought a standing court order for them to leave the area. The only obstacle preventing the authorities from removing them is the Covid-19 lockdown regulations,” he added.
Just before the close of registrations, residents say a group of guys in ANC shirts appeared out of nowhere, claiming to be able to assist them with their issue.
“How are we supposed to trust these people when there wasn’t any indication that they were working alongside the IEC,” Amos said.
According to Hans-Jurie Moolman, a local attorney, if you are a resident in an area, you should be able to register. However, there is a court order that says that their residence in Mooibank is unlawful. “There are two arguments to this matter but a court will ultimately have to decide how the issue is handled,” he said.
