eMbalenhle Ext 26 residents march for services and formalisation
They said their appeals for services have gone unheard, negatively affecting their safety, health, and quality of life.
Residents of eMbalenhle’s Ext 26 informal settlement took to the streets on September 25, marching to the Govan Mbeki Municipality to demand basic services and the formalisation of their area.
In a memorandum handed over to municipal officials, the residents voiced their frustration over what they described as unfulfilled promises made before the 2021 local government elections.
They said their appeals for services have gone unheard, negatively affecting their safety, health, and quality of life.
One of their most urgent concerns is the absence of electricity. Without proper lighting, residents said women and children are particularly vulnerable to violence, including attacks and rape.
The darkness also makes it unsafe to travel at night, leaving many in constant fear for their personal security.
Poor sanitation was another critical issue raised. Residents described the toilets in the settlement as unsafe and unhygienic, with children at risk of falling into them.
They stressed that proper sanitation facilities are needed to prevent health hazards and tragedies.
The residents also highlighted the poor state of roads in the settlement, which they said hinders access for emergency services. In some cases, ambulances have been unable to reach patients, forcing residents to carry injured individuals, or even coffins, by hand when roads are blocked or impassable. This has caused delays in emergency medical care and disrupted funeral arrangements.
The memorandum was received by Robert Maswanganyi, the municipality’s Director of Energy and Mechanical, on behalf of Executive Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma. Maswanganyi assured residents that their concerns would be forwarded to the mayor.
The community has given the municipality 14 days to respond to their demands. Residents emphasised that they are registered voters and rightful members of society, urging the municipality not to ignore their plight, especially with elections approaching.
They also claim that Zuma himself, during the 2021 local government elections, promised them that if they voted, their area would be improved, or else they might be relocated to the formal residential area.
