Residents have done it!
They won their legal battle in the fight for electricity supply in Bethal and eMzinoni.
The Bethal and eMzinoni Community for Services Association (Becs) won their legal battle against respondents Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM), the municipal manager of GMM, Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM), the municipal manager of GSDM, Eskom Holdings, the MEC for Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs for the province of Mpumalanga as well as the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
The case was heard on August 31, 2021.
Judgement was given on Friday, January 14.
“Judgement was in our favour and the court imposed a structural interdict on, among others, GMM,” said Mr Yusuf Carrim, chairman for Becs.
He said this means that GMM must, over the next three years, report to both Becs and the court on their progress to get their house in order in terms of electricity supply to the respective communities.
“Judgement was also given that the respondents, also mainly GMM, must refund our legal expenses regarding this matter.
“This is a huge victory for us as a community and we want to thank all of you for your patience under extremely frustrating circumstances,” said Mr Carrim.
He said, however, that it will take time to fully remedy the electrical supply to Bethal, Milan Park and eMzinoni.
“Years of mismanagement and neglect simply cannot be wiped out overnight,” said Mr Carrim.
The Ridge Times will follow up in our next addition regarding full judgement and what the practical implications are once made available.
