GMM Mayor address residents after protest
Nhlakanipho Zuma promises to help, but he cannot give a timeline.
eMBALENHLE – Following a protest by Ekuthuleni informal settlement residents in Lebohang on April 16, the Govan Mbeki Municipality Executive Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma, met with the community on April 17 to listen to their grievances.
The protest saw residents block the busy R50 road using stones and burning tyres after Eskom removed illegal electricity connections in the area.
During the meeting, residents demanded clarity on the municipality’s progress in buying the land from the private owner.
They said they had previously been told that negotiations were underway, but accused the municipality of being dishonest.
Some claimed the landowner is willing to sell, but alleged that the municipality is reluctant to proceed with the sale.
Concerns were also raised about the conduct of municipal law enforcement officers who accompanied Eskom and police during the removal of illegal connections.
Residents claimed that officers, together with Eskom officials, confiscated cables and poles that they had bought with their own money.
Frustrated residents further threatened to occupy land in Extension 8, which is currently under development by the Mpumalanga Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs.
This area is undergoing bulk service installation.
Residents also questioned why they are not allowed access to electricity despite the municipality having already provided communal water taps and maintained roads in the area.
They argued that Eskom requires a signed letter from the municipality to legally electrify the settlement.
Responding to the concerns, Zuma acknowledged the frustrations of the community and said the municipality is working to ensure residents have access to proper housing.
“I understand how you feel, and we are committed to helping the community,” said Zuma.
He apologised for the involvement of municipal law enforcement in Eskom’s operation.
“I am sorry that our law enforcement officers took part in Eskom’s operation. They were not supposed to be there; it should have been Eskom alone.”
Zuma added that he had engaged with the MEC about the land negotiations and that residents would need to wait for an official report.
“I have met with you before and explained that we want to help. I contacted the MEC, who indicated that we must wait for feedback on the progress of negotiations with the landowner. If an agreement cannot be reached, the matter may go to court.”
He also clarified that the Extension 8 development is intended to benefit residents from Leandra, Lebohang, and Ekuthuleni.
“South Africa is governed by law, and I cannot sign a letter allowing Eskom to install electricity on privately owned land. I will engage with the landowner, and if permission is granted, Eskom will be able to proceed,” said Zuma.
He said that while the municipality will help with negotiations, no timeline can be guaranteed for when electricity will be provided.
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