It was not all part of the month of love when the EFF painted the CBD with the colour of love, but they were there for the Ward 14 residents who are ‘Gatvol’.

On February 17, the EFF marched to the Emalahleni Local Municipality to submit a memorandum of demands on behalf of Ward 14.

“We, the residents of Ward 14, are compelled to bring to your attention the urgent need for addressing the most pressing issues affecting our community,” said Esther Molepo, from the EFF provincial command team.

The area has been affected by coal mining activities, which have resulted in the formation of sinkholes. These sinkholes have made it difficult for residents to live in a safe and healthy environment.

“Despite our repeated pleas and efforts to engage with the municipality, our fundamental rights to safe and dignified living conditions, access to basic services, and protection from harm have been consistently violated.”

The community demanded improved living conditions, access to basic services, and protection from harm.

Specifically, they are calling for the formalisation of informal settlements, including Likazi, Coronation, and Sizanani, through a mining rehabilitation programme.

This programme should provide secure tenure, and access to basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity, and ensure community participation in the planning and implementation process.

Additionally, the residents demand the installation of Apollo solar lights in Coronation and Likazi to address safety concerns.
Molepo expressed grievances with the issue of a lack of Apollo solar lights, passing concern to the ward councillor.

“We are not safe at all, councillor. Women are being raped, and people are being robbed due to not having Apollo solar lights in the area.”

The residents also demanded the issuance of sectional title deeds to homeowners in Blocks 3 and 4 and the publication of RDP beneficiaries’ lists to promote transparency and accountability.

The community is concerned about the lack of infrastructure development, including pavements for Blocks 3 and 4 in Hostel 1, free Wi-Fi for all sections, and a permanent clinic.

They demand that the municipality cancel all lease agreements for Hostel 1, especially Blocks 2, 3, and 5.

Furthermore, the residents are calling for debt relief for pensioners and families headed by orphans, the closure of illegal mines and coal processing plants, and the prevention of fatalities.

Molepo said, “Old people are not working anymore, and the grant money is not enough.”

The residents are also demanding the repair of the sewer drainage system in the Thala section, the removal of asbestos roofing in Blocks 3 and 4 of Hostel 1, and continuous service delivery, including regular refuse collection, maintenance of roads and infrastructure, provision of clean water and sanitation, reliable electricity supply, and effective law enforcement and crime prevention.

The municipality has been given two weeks to respond to the community’s demands.

“We expect a comprehensive response to our demands within 14 days from the date of this memorandum,” said Molepo.

“We urge the municipality to take our demands seriously and to work towards addressing the pressing issues affecting our community. If our demands are not met within the specified timeframe, we will be forced to explore other options, including protests, demonstrations, and seeking intervention from higher authorities.”

The acting Executive Mayor, Clr Jerry Jiyane, said, “We have received the memorandum, and it will be processed accordingly, and we will give feedback as required.”

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