Informal settlement residents cut off mayor’s electricity supply

Numerous key policy and developmental issues were discussed at the ordinary council meeting at the Dan Tloome Council Chambers on Tuesday, 26 July.

Among other issues, the local council noted the high level of crime in some areas of its jurisdiction. Thugs continually hijack municipal vehicles on the way to deliver services to the public. “Municipal officials, particularly those driving council vehicles, have been targeted on numerous occasions. They are attacked and held hostage as the keys to their vehicles are also confiscated,” the acting communication manager, Jeanette Tshite said. “Such incidents are disruptive and stall the progress of service delivery to the public.”

From time to time, some residents of informal settlements are caught when involved in illegal activities like stealing electricity through illegal connections, cable theft and cutting poles. “These are very serious and concerning matters that the municipality can no longer tolerate,” Tshite said. “The municipality is currently addressing service-related matters in the informal settlements.”

In the early hours of Monday, 25 July, the electricity supply to the house of the executive mayor Gaba Thithiba Ka Qhele was cut off. The residents of the so-called #Hashtag informal settlement ravaged and vandalised the homes and property belonging to the speaker Rosie Moithoesi Dassie; Mantwa Kasale, the Ward 9 councillor; and the acting municipal manager Sandile Tyatya. These people demand access to services like electricity.

“The council will never allow itself to be held ransom and forced to instal connections illegally in areas where residents are not formally settled. During the Council sitting, it was noted that such incidences would no longer be tolerated,” Tshite concluded.