Gewelddadige dienslewering-betogings sal dienslewering in Govan Mbeki-munisipaliteit nie laat verbeter
Die VF Plus veroordeel die gewelddadige protesoptrede van inwoners van Embalenhle wat gelei het tot die dood van ‘n 16-jarige seun en die vernietiging van staats- en privaateiendom ten sterkste.
Die protesaksie waarmee inwoners van Embalenhle hul misnoeë met die swak dienslewering van die GMM wou uitdruk, het aanvanklik vreedsaam begin, maar het uiteindelik tot die dood van die seun gelei. Munisipale eiendom is ook vernietig.
Om ‘n munisipale gebou wat verlede jaar herbou en einde November 2020 weer in gebruik geneem is en verskeie splinternuwe munisipale voertuie aan die brand te steek, sal nie lei tot beter dienslewering deur die ANC-beheerde Govan Mbeki-plaaslike munisipaliteit (GMM) nie.
Die GMM bedien buiten Embalenhle ook Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda en Trichardt.
Hierdie tipe betogings in die munisipaliteit beïnvloed die ekonomie uiters negatief aangesien klein- en groot sakeondernemings sukkel om in sulke omstandighede te funksioneer en potensiële beleggers afskrik om in die gebied te belê.
Inwoners van die GMM moet die komende plaaslike regeringsverkiesing op 27 Oktober benut om saam met die VF Plus op te staan, saam te staan en ‘n sterk boodskap aan die ANC te stuur dat sy geskepte breek-en-brand-kultuur in dié munisipaliteit nie langer geduld sal word nie.
Shongwe calls for urgent arrests of suspects linked to five murder in two separate cases in Bushbuckridge
The Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe has condemned in the strongest possible terms, the horrific murders of four family members that occurred in Madras in Bushbuckridge yesterday, 16 June 2021 in the early hours of the morning.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe
According to reports, five family members were shot at apparently in execution style in Madras.
Four people died at the crime scene. One family member, a 25 -year- old man who was also in the house, survived the shooting. The man immediately alerted neighbours who then notified police.
The same house where the victims were found was torched after the shooting by the same suspects.
In another incident, at Mandela Village in Bushbuckridge, a group of about four armed suspects allegedly shot and killed a 25-year-old man after storming into a house while he was asleep.
The house that the victim was murdered in, was also torched
The MEC has appealed to the police to swiftly bring to book any suspects linked to these horrendous crimes.
Shongwe has further called on the community to remain calm while the police are investigating.
He has called on members of the public who may have information to come forward and assist the police.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the callousness and cruelty displayed by these criminals. That is why we welcome the 72 hour activation of different departments by the police to ensure the suspects are urgently arrested.
He is also sending condolences to the bereaved families.
“The police must work around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators are punished. No criminals should be allowed to rest while they terrorise our communities,” Shongwe added.
Find more info on the department Community Safety, Security and Liaison HERE
MANHUNT FOR MURDER SUSPECTS WHO SHOT FIVE VICTIMS EXECUTION STYLE THEN TORCHED THEIR HOUSES IN TWO SEPARATE INCIDENTS
NELSPRUIT – Police in Mpumalanga have launched a vigorous manhunt for suspects following two separate incidents in which five victims were fatally shot and their houses torched. These horrifying incidents occurred in the early hours of today, Wednesday 16 June 2021, at Bushbuckridge and Madras near Hazyview respectively.
Reports indicate that in the first incident, police received information about a shooting incident at Madras, where four family members were shot execution style by four suspects inside their RDP house.
When police arrived at the scene, they found the house in flames with four victims inside lying unconscious with burn wounds in two separate rooms. The emergency services were summoned for assistance and all the victims were unfortunately certified dead.
The victims have already been identified by the family as Martha Ndlovu (Mother), aged 53, Eckson Five Ndlovu (father), aged 59, Lovenecia Ndlovu (girl child), aged 14 and 12-year Permission Ndlovu (girl child). Police further discovered that one family member, a 25-year-old man who was also in the house survived the shooting and managed to alert neighbours who eventually notified police.
Meanwhile, in the second incident in Bushbuckridge, a group of about four armed suspects stormed into a certain house at Mandela Village. It is said that Caswell Maphanga, aged 25 was asleep at the time and the suspects reportedly shot at him and then burned the house before they fled the scene.
Concerned members of the public notified relevant stakeholders about the incident and upon arrival, the firefighters extinguished the fire. However, Maphanga was unfortunately certified dead by the paramedics and police opened a murder case hence the manhunt.
A Preliminary investigation revealed that Caswell’s mother received a call from her other son before the incident indicating that people were looking for him (Caswell’s brother) and were already on their way to the house. The mother was reportedly at work at the time and she then learned that the suspects had already killed Caswell as well as burned her house. A preliminary probe has revealed that these killing sprees result from gangs fighting against each other.
Police request that Skhumbuzo Madalane and Bonginkosi Shakoane come forward as they believe the duo can positively assist in the investigation. As a result of all these atrocious acts, police management in Mpumalanga, led by the Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Thulani Phahla, has motioned a 72-hour Activation Plan comprising of all relevant disciplines intending to track down those responsible.
In the meantime, police urge the community to be patriotic in their quest to find these heartless villains. They (community) can volunteer their valuable information if they have knowledge on the whereabouts of Madalane as well as Shakoane by contacting Detective Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Bhiya at 0720158022, or Detective Captain Dexter Ndlovu at 0829229902/ 0833124305.
Alternatively, members of the public can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
When it comes to safety, keeping your pets warm in winter is very important, during day & night! They are your responsibility!
MYTH: Cats and dogs are resistant to cold weather because they have fur.
FACT: They do feel cold and are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. When you are cold, they are cold too!
WHICH ANIMALS ARE MOST SUSCEPTIBLE?
Puppies, kittens and other young animals, as they have not yet built up a resistance to the cold. Always keep them indoors, in a warm environment.
Older pets, like people, feel the cold more.
Short-coated animals.
Thin breeds or species of animals.
Pets with medical conditions. Cold weather worsens certain medical conditions, which can also cause these pets to struggle with regulating their body temperature.
If your pet will tolerate a jersey, buy one and reduce exposures to the cold.
Make sure you shine when walking your dog in the dark by wearing reflective gear like a leash, clothing, collar etc.
Towel dry your dog if they come inside damp or wet. Check for cracks on the paw pads or redness between the toes and ensure you dry their feet properly.
Ideally pets should be allowed to live inside, especially in cold or any extreme weather. If they are outside, bring them in during low/high temperatures.
Raise their outdoor kennel off the ground. Ensure the kennel is solid, safe, waterproof and in a dry place, facing away from wind and rain. Line it with soft and warm bedding.
Bathe your pets as little as possible during the winter. Washing them too often in general, can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry and itchy skin. If they have to be bathed, ask your veterinarian for a moisturizing shampoo or use dry shampoo for a quick no-water wash.
Anti-freeze is dangerous for pets. Thoroughly clean any spills from your car.
Pets burn more energy to stay warm in the winter, so you can feed them a more.
Keeping them hydrated gives the body some energy needed to regulate temperature. Ensure they always have plenty of fresh drinking water in clean bowls.
Let their hair grow. The longer coat will give some extra protection.
Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from cold walls or areas with a draft. A cosy pet bed, large pillow or folded duvet can also work. Some pets will also feel more safe when sleeping in the igloo pet beds.
Minimize their time outside. Limiting exposure to extreme temperatures is good for your pet.
Don’t stop exercising because of the weather! You can still exercise outside or get some exercise and mental stimulation inside the house. There are many videos and ideas on this.
Look for signs of hypothermia and get them to a vet ASAP: whining, shivering, anxious, slows or stops moving, weakness or looking for warm places to burrow.
Look out for heat seeking behaviour from your pets like curling up small, shivering, seeking the heater etc.
Provide livestock with structural shelters that have proper ventilation and bedding, as well as ample food and fresh water.
Parasites like ticks and fleas can be present all year round. In winter they might be less, but will seek out warm places to live, like on your pet. Don’t stop tick and flea control, however, don’t dip your dog in the cold. Rather use an alternate product that can be applied to dry skin. Always talk to your veterinarian about this option.
When using a heater, ensure that the wiring is out of reach for your pets. Pets should not be left unsupervised with any heating appliances.
Birds specific – wall heaters in a safe place where the birds cannot get to chew on it or oil heaters can work, but never any gas, bar heaters or form of wood or anthracite burning devices. Keep them out of a drafty area and use blankets or a cover for the cage if necessary. Keep their food dry.
Too keep warm, cats and other wild animal may hide in your car’s wheel wells or engine. Before you start your car, bang loudly on the hood to wake up a dozing animal and give them a chance to escape.
REPORT NEGLECT – If an owner leaves their pet in the cold, politely let them know you’re concerned. They might not know the risk that cold weather poses. If they respond poorly or continue with their neglect, time to speak up and report it. Please report any animals that are stray, cold and wet to your local SPCA immediately. If you can, please take them to your nearest shelter!
BUYING BLANKETS FOR A SHELTER – If you want to help a shelter, please DO NOT buy the budget blankets. They are disposables and have to be hand washed. Shelters do not have the time to hand wash these blankets every day. They are put in a kennel today and as they tear easily, they block the drains and have to be thrown away the next day. Rather buy stormy or fleece blankets.
OUTREACHES – Some groups do outreaches to the rural areas. They make pet bed from dog food bags with blankets or other material inside. The dog food bag helps keep the blanket dry, while still providing softer bedding and offer some protection from the damp and cold ground. Little Paws Big Hearts is one of these organisations.
Next week we will look at how to report a stray animal emergency as well as reporting cruelty to animals.
Thursday evening, June 10, saw the opening of Rademeyer Funeral Parlour and Florist in Bethal
Hennie Rademeyer welcomed everybody to the opening. Unfortunately, the all too familiar Bethal load shedding kicked in just as the function started but it did not place a damper on the enthusiasm of the Rademeyer team.
The reception and Florist area were buzzing with activity as guests mingled discussing the new venture of Hennie and Michelle.
Pieter van der Merwe, Michelle and Hennie Rademeyer
Hennie teamed up with Pieter van der Merwe to open Rademeyer Funeral Parlour. Hennie is well known in the area and industry and will compete in a very competitive environment as there are already 23 other funeral parlours in the Bethal/Emzinoni area. It is not known if all of the parlours are registered etc though.
Hennie thanked the guests for coming and expressed his desire to bring something different to area. “I would like to think that we are part of the family,” said Hennie.
They will be offering a full-service package as well as insurance products. “We will accept your Funeral books as well.”
Every guest was taken on a tour of the facilities and platters with snacks were served.
Pieter van der Merwe cutting the ribbon
Learn more about the Parlour on their Facebook HERE
The Bulletin recently reported on the Funeral of Oom Piet. Hennie Rademeyer was the Undertaker. We at the Bulletin were impressed with the way that Hennie conducted the funeral. We would like to wish Hennie, Pieter and Michelle all the best with the new venture.
If the funeral of Oom Piet was anything to go by, then Rademeyer Funeral Parlour will be a huge success and an asset to the community
Geniet nog ‘n aflewering van “So is die Lewe” uit die pen van Marius Britz.
Jy kom laataand by die groot, donker huis aan. Van ver af al het jy die bekende kolos in die halwe maan sien lê, soos ‘n draak wat wag om jou te verslind. Maar iets, of alles, is anders vanaand. As jy by die bek van die draak ingaan, lê die lang gang met die stil, leë kamers weerskante soos ‘n grynsende skedel met starende oogholtes. Die hond is nie meer daar om jou blaffend te verwelkom nie.
Die kamers is meestal gestroop van persoonlike items, en net die opgemaakte, ongeslaapte beddens wys dat daar eens op ‘n tyd iemand in geleef het. Die beddens is ‘n vae teken van ‘n hoop dat daar weer gou weer iemand sal wees wat daarin gaan kom slaap. Die afwagting van ‘n kuier van jou gesin is jou greep op hoe dinge was, die ontkenning dat jou lewe drasties verander het. Die klank van opgewonde kinderstemme en laggies is stil, die fiets spore voor die huis is deur die wind verwaai, die klank van kinderprogramme op die televisie is af. Die dooie oog van die televisiestel volg jou deur die huis.
Dit bulder van stilte.
Jy praat hardop met jouself om dit te verbreek, sit Pink Floyd kliphard aan, sing luidrugtig saam. Jy maak ‘n blikkie boontjies in tamatiesous oop vir aandete. Waarom sou jy iets anders wou voorberei?
Baie mense ervaar dit; hierdie flerts van alleenbestaan wat ook deel van my lewe was toe ek op die platteland moes agterbly omdat die skool toegemaak is, en my vrou haar werk as onderwyseres verloor het. Hulle moes noodgedwonge stad toe trek, omdat ‘n tweede inkomste vir ‘n plattelandse predikantspaar onontbeerlik is. Alleenheid is ‘n werkwoord. Dis die gevolg van mense wat wegraak van jou af deur omstandighede soos dood, aftrede, egskeiding, ouderdom, noem maar op.
Enige verlies kan veroorsaak dat jy jouself van mense onttrek. Alleenheid is ‘n fisiese ding. Maar die gevaar lê daarin dat alleenheid baie maklik kan oorgaan in eensaamheid. Daardie vernietigende gevoel van isolasie. Niemand weet van my nie. Niemand stel belang in my nie. Ek is alleen. Soos in Psalm 22, wat Jesus ook aan die kruis aangehaal het: “Eli Eli lema sabagtani.”
Eensaamheid is ‘n emosionele ding. Dit kan uiters destruktief wees. Die mens is ‘n sosiale wese, maar kan maklik geisoleerd raak. Jy kan eensaam wees tussen baie mense. By die werk, die braai saam met kennisse, die kerk, jou familie, selfs jou huwelik. Mense raak soms uit eie keuse eensaam, onttrek van ander mense, om redes soos depressie.
Dit is ‘n verskriklike siekte wat jou selfvertroue, jou lewensvreugde en die sin van jou lewe van jou steel. Dit kan ‘n langdurige ding wees. Baie ervaar al van kleins af Sondagblues, dit is ‘n integrale deel van hulle totale belewenis van menswees. Hulle beleef: om alleen te wees, om mense te vermy, is om nie seer te kry nie. Wie jy is, speel ook ‘n rol.
Ons leef in ‘n geweldige vyandige en kompeterende, onsimpatieke wêreld. Sommige mense floreer in so omgewing. Dit bring die beste en sterkste in hulle na vore. Andere weer, glad nie. Jy kan maar net om jou kyk om dit raak te sien, as dit nie met jou persoonlik gebeur nie. Mense raak huiwerig om mekaar te vertrou. En, sosiale media maak dit maklik om te vereensaam. Jy kan skryf wat jy wil, sonder dat daar enige iemand naby jou is. En ongeag wat jy skryf, die kans is goed dat daar reaksie gaan wees. Soos PG du Plessis sê in Siener in die suburbs; “mens wil van geweet wees”.
Gaan lees maar baie facebookinskrywings, as jy ingeteken is daarop. Hier sien jy hoe verwronge eensaamheid kommunikasieprosesse kan maak. Iemand skryf vir ‘n onbekende ontvanger hierdie boodskap: “Ek wil nt vir jou se: God slaap nie. Jou daggie sal kom en jy gn bitaal vi als wat jy an my gedoen het. Jy dink jy is te gut vi my, ma ons sal sien wie laste lag.” Hierdie plasing op facebook word tien keer “gelike”, en vier kommentare volg: twee “amens”, “dis rerag so, die dywel is verslaan halleluja”, en “dki dat jy dit met ons gedeel het.”
Kan dit wees dat almal wat gereageer het, ook slagoffers van eensaamheid is? Waarom anders sou jy op ‘n wildvreemde se hartsontboesemings met iets soos “Amen” wou antwoord?
Sosiale media het ‘n substituut geword vir gesonde, persoonlike kommunikasie tussen mense waar inligting geruil word, gevoelens gedeel word en misverstande uit die weg geruim word. Soms is sosiale media die bewys dat ons in ‘n ontsaglike eensame wêreld leef. As iemand iets verrukliks mooi beleef, en daar is niemand om dit te vertel of die foto mee te deel nie, is die logiese gevolg vir hulle om dit op facebook te plaas. Net ter wille van die reaksie: Ek sien jou, ek hoor wat jy sê, ek waardeer jou mening. Jy ís vir my iemand. Jou opinie is vir my belangrik.
Facebook is soos Jan Rabie se verhaal oor ingenieur Jacobs wat vir hom ‘n robot gebou het na sy vrou se dood. Die eensaamheid het hom totaal ondergekry. Hy het die robot aangetrek met sy vrou se trourok. Elke keer as Jacobs die robot, wat hy Andries genoem het, vra: “wat is liefde,” antwoord die robot met ‘n afgemete stem: “Liefde is aanhou beweeg en geluide maak. Ek is Andries, die verdomde robot.”
The South African National Blood Services (SANBS) kick-starts National Blood Donor Month 2021
We know better than most that millions of South Africans need blood transfusions to lead healthy lives each year. If it weren’t for voluntary blood donations, who knows what people would have to do to get blood when they needed it? Who knows how many people would have access to safe blood when they needed it?
The South African National Blood Services (SANBS) kick-starts National Blood Donor Month 2021 with a special focus on honouring the dedicated donors who heed the humanitarian call to donate blood while inspiring others to do the same.
This year, World Blood Donor Day finds us recovering from a unique set of circumstances that brought the world to its knees. Even amidst the pandemic, our annual observance has in no way lost its significance and importance. With hosts of people still receiving blood transfusions in hospitals, the need for blood has not slowed down.
This amazing effort during a moment of exceptional distress exemplifies the importance of collaboration, while encouraging the Government and National Health authorities to support the development of necessary resources, systems and infrastructure, to boost the collection of blood from unpaid, voluntary donors.
In honour of Youth Month, we’re reminded of young people’s long history of activism, proactiveness, and banding together for a shared cause. And as such, the international #GiveBloodAndKeepWorldBeating movement taps into the youth’s idealism and passion for bringing vital causes to life, such as that of those in need of blood. Additionally, the movement strives to create change, improve health, and raise global awareness about the significance of blood donation on a regular basis.
“Attempts to save lives have been at the forefront of all blood donors’ minds, and we want to thank them for their involvement and support. The growing realization across the globe that giving blood is a life-saving act of solidarity, and that services that provide safe blood and blood products are a crucial part of any healthcare system is amongst the core reasons we encourage you to continue donating and raising awareness on the importance of doing so” said Ravi Reddy SANBS CEO.
It is worth noting that the involvement and support of blood donors are most effective when individuals commit to donating regularly. The task of getting donors to commit regularly is a great challenge and we hope that through hearing and reading shared stories from people whose lives have been saved by blood transfusions, people are motivated to adopt regular blood donation. We encourage more people to take up the cause and become life-savers by pledging to donate blood regularly on Monday, 14 June 2021.
Happy World Blood Donor Day! #WBDD2021
To find out more about where you can donate blood, visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31. Don’t let South Africa run out of safe blood. Donate today.
Animals 101 – What to do if you found wildlife in your residential area or town.
At times, wild animals end up in our suburban areas. There are various reasons for this. When it happens, many people are concerned about them and want to help, but are unsure about how to handle the situation or who to contact. They can even put the animal’s life in danger by trying to help.
NEVER KEEP THE WILD ANIMAL as you might not be equipped to meet their needs and Google is not a veterinarian or wildlife expert. It is against the law to keep wild animals if you don’t have a permit, even if you plan to release them later. It is stressful for wild animals to be kept in a noisy environment where there are lots of unfamiliar smells. Stress is one of the biggest killers of rescued wildlife.
WHAT TO DO?
• If they are hurt, you should take them to your veterinarian. They should be able to address the emergency and if they are not equipped to treat the wildlife, they will have the right contacts to provide guidance. They are also not allowed to keep the animal indefinitely without a permit.
• If they are not injured or in danger, you can contact an animal welfare organisation or the SPCA, to advise you. Sometimes it could be best to just leave them.
• This is one of the situations where we refer to the SPCA as wildlife are rarely just euthanized and will be taken to a rehabilitation facility approved by the NSPCA or released back into the wild in a safe manner.
• If the local SPCA does not answer, try the NSPCA (011 907 3590/ nspca@nspca.co.za) directly. They will either contact the Wildlife unit or the local SPCA.
Some of their advice includes:
Prepare the container. This may differ depending on which animal you rescued.
Protect yourself. Wear gloves if necessary.
Cover the animal with a light towel or sheet.
Gently handle them in the correct manner. This differs for various animals!
Secure the container, but allow enough air holes.
Warm the animal if they are cold. Follow NPSCA guidelines.
Note the exact spot where the animal was found as this is important when the animal is released again.
Keep them in a quiet, safe, warm (depending on weather) dark place.
Keep your pets and children away from them.
Don’t bother them.
Don’t give food and water. This will obviously depend on how long the animal is with you and why it is important to get in contact with experts as soon as possible.
Contact a wildlife rescuer, the nature conservation department, your veterinarian, SPCA or other animal welfare organisations, as soon as possible.
Wash your hands and anything the animal was kept in or touched with.
Record any injuries you might have noticed and provide the rehabilitator with information about treatment you provided while they were in your care, especially if you have given them anything. Whether they have had any bowel movements is also an important note.
Never keep the animal with you any longer than necessary. You have a moral and legal obligation to hand them over to the right people. Many rescue animals and keep them, only to hand them over when they suddenly become sick. Then it might already be too late.
Note that animals like Egyptian geese lead their goslings to water a few days after hatching, often along busy streets. Do not “rescue” the goslings or any other little ones by separating them from their parents. You can rather escort the family through the traffic to the nearest pond.
Next week we will look at some tips on keeping your animals warm in the winter.
Mpumalanga Exco cites positive developments for the upliftment of the non-existent Section 139(1)(B) intervention.
Power disruptions as the order of the day, Sewer pump stations not working, Sewer spillages as the norm and spiralling debt is but a few of the municipality’s problems.
Add to this growing dissatisfaction with the current levels of service delivery. Protests started in Lebohang, eMbalenhle and Emzinoni because of the power disruptions as the main reason given.
While all of this is happening in Govan Mbeki Municipality the Mpumalanga Exco decided to uplift the intervention from the provincial legislature. This intervention was never acted upon since it was proclaimed by the MEC.
In a media statement dated 14 May 2021, the following was written:
UPLIFTMENT OF INTERVENTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH S139(1) (B) OF THE CONSTITUTION AT THE GOVAN MBEKI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
The Executive Council received a progress report on the intervention at Govan Mbeki Local Municipality in accordance with section 139(1) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,
In light of the positive developments at the Municipality, the Executive Council resolved to uplift the intervention and provide support to the Municipality in accordance with Sections 154(1) and Section 155(6) of the Constitution.
The executive mayor continually told members of the public as well as the council that the intervention is in accordance with section 139(1)(A) instead of 139(1)(B). There is a distinct difference between the two. In (A) there are directives and in (B) the relevant provincial executive may intervene by assuming responsibility for the relevant obligation in that municipality
The current council had no insight into the so called progress report tabled to the provincial exco.
The Bulletin received a statement from the Democratic Alliance (DA), the official opposition in GMM Municipal Council stating: The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Govan Mbeki Local Municipality is shocked to learn from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government that the municipality’s administration in accordance with section 139(1)(b) is uplifted.
The DA has continually asked for the dissolvement of Govan Mbeki Municipal council.
“The DA will write to the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Busisiwe Shiba, requesting her to explain this decision,” Said DA Councillor James Masango, “The municipality was never effectively put under administration. The previous MEC of Cogta, Mr. Mandla Msibi, indicated to the DA that the administrator and the team would proceed at the end of February.”
DA Councillor James Masango
“Since then, an administrator never came into office. The DA subsequently wrote to the current MEC of Cogta, Busisiwe Shiba, and she indicated that she is waiting for the decision of the Executive,” said James, “According to the Provincial Government, the decision to uplift the administration is based on a positive report they received on the municipality.”
“It is not clear who wrote the report in the absence of the administrator. Even with a “report” on the table, the DA requests full details on what those positive indicators are in order to take such a decision.”
The municipality had been plagued with basic delivery problems. The Bulletin reported on some of them.
“For the last two to three weeks the municipality was experiencing water leaks all over the municipality. Sewerage spillages occur daily. Besides load-shedding, there have been so many power outages in Bethal, Trichardt and Secunda. While the temperature was at its lowest last week, many residents were without water,” James said to the Bulletin, “Last week, Leandra, Emzinoni, and eMbalenhle have seen community members took to a violent protest, burning tires on the road due to the lack of service delivery. The only option is for the bankrupt Govan Mbeki Municipality to be dissolved!”
All opposition parties were kept in the dark by the Mayor and his mayoral committee regarding the “positive” developments.
“The DA in Govan Mbeki Municipality will liaise with its counterpart in the Provincial Legislature to write a letter to the MEC of Cogta to explain the above-mentioned report and the decision to uplift section 139(1)(b),” concluded James, “The residents of Govan Mbeki Local Municipality need change for better service delivery. The DA will continue fighting for the residents of this municipality until they get what they deserve.”
The residents of Govan Mbeki Municipality continues to be served empty promises and no delivery on those promises. The Bulletin received a phone call, immediately after the broadcast where the mayor addressed the residents of Lebohang, from one of the opposition councillors stating that the Mayor mislead the people once again.
The protests flared up the very next day. When the Bulletin spoke to some residents we were told that “the Mayor spoke nonsense!”
During the upcoming elections the ANC will face the possibility of losing seats to opposition and independent candidates.
