Gatvol protest: ‘We are gatvol for everything’
More community members from all over Randfontein speak out about the service delivery issues they are struggling with.
With a memorandum handed over to Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM), more community members shared their frustrations, this time those living in Toekomsrus.
Community members recently gathered in front of the RWCLM building to protest and voice their concerns with the current state of service delivery.
• Read initial article here: Gatvol! Town’s residents unite against lack of service delivery
Dezery van Brander, a resident from Toekomsrus, stated they are ‘gatvol’ for everything.
She mentioned that some of the issues they are facing include electricity tariffs that are too high, as well as rates and taxes. They also have to pay property tax for the properties they own. Their lights stay off even though there is no load-shedding and in the mornings, they don’t have any water. There are also numerous dumping sites in the area, and the parks and other public places aren’t cared for. She added that they also don’t receive any information from the municipality.
Further, she mentioned they fear for their children’s safety, not only because they could get bitten by snakes but also due to the crime rates in the area.
Van Brander added that on the morning of the protest, her brother and his children were attacked; luckily, they were all doing well, and the matter was resolved.
We are mad at the municipality. We hope something good will come of this protest,” said van Brander.
Another resident, Anthony Pillay, added that drugs are a major concern in the area and everything gets stolen for drug money. Further, there are shootings every weekend.
• Also read: Mayor responds to ‘Gatvol’ protest
“Crime has to come to an end. We are all people,” stated Pillay.
