Various stakeholders and residents have pledged their solidarity with the nine ANC protesting councillors.
The nine ward councillors from eMbalenhle have decided to excuse themselves from Govan Mbeki Municipal activities because they are unhappy with service delivery issues in the area.
They have been conducting community meetings in various wards to inform residents of their decision and called for their support.
Messrs John Nkosi, Vusi Mbokazi, Ace Vilakazi, Mandla Thabethe, Mshini Mahlangu, Douglas Mahlangu, Themba Lukhele, Ms Mantoa Motloung and Ms Lindiwe Sithoel vowed not to back down until the service delivery issues have been addressed.
They met with stakeholders at the Kgotso Hall in Ext 12 on 10 May.
It was attended by the business sector, the house of traditional leaders and church leaders who also voiced their dissatisfaction with Govan Mbeki Municipality.
They warned the councillors not to use them for personal gain and said it should be about the community and not ANC factions.
“We are 100 per cent behind you. It is time that we turn the mighty Govan Mbeki Municipality into its original state. We are united in fighting the mal-administration and corruption in Council and we must act swiftly before things get worse. We must mobilise the masses and totally shut down this municipality until the national government intervenes.
“We must also call for the support of the local taxi industry to ensure that there is no movement on the day of the shut down,” said a business leader.
The councillors also held community meetings on 10 May.
Ext 15 residents commended the councillors for their bravery and said: “We have noted the arrogant behaviour of the acting municipal manager, Mr Thisha Mhlaga.
“It’s time that he packs his bags and go. In actual fact, the whole mayoral committee should be dissolved and the municipality be placed under administration. Councillors, do not waste our time. Give us a date, because we want to show them who we are. We owe Eskom millions, where does our money go to? It is time we teach them a lesson.”
The Ext 19 meeting was disrupted when residents asked the councillors why they come to the community only now.
“Is it because there is a crisis?”
Ward 29 residents held a meeting with the councillors on 11 May at Shapeve Primary School.
They also vowed to support the councillors at all cost.
The five councillors who are not part of this stay away were criticised and described as sell outs who only think of their stomachs and not the communiy.
Also read: Govan Mbeki Municipal councillors urge the community to join them in their fight against poor service delivery
The residents and business sector also mentioned that they have noted that an influential councillor is allegedly responsible for controlling Govan Mbeki Municipality.
They said her days are numbered in the mayoral committee and they would do anything to ensure that she is removed.
The councillors said they would consult with all the structures of the community until the total shut down.
