Magwaza-Msibi residents struggle with proof of residence documents
Msukaligwa Municipality cannot provide services or proof of residence documents because they live on private land.
Residents of Magwaza-Msibi Village, previously named Enyibe, face a daily struggle with their self-made proof of residence documentation not recognised by any institution in Ermelo.
The farm belonging to a Mr M. Mostert, under the company name Boutina (Pty) Ltd, is privately owned, meaning the Msukaligwa Municipality cannot provide services or proof of residence documents issued at the Civic Centre.
The issue dates back to 2005 with people residing in the area for more than 20 years going without municipal services.
Boutina provides a service to the community with electricity from Eskom.
A Msukaligwa resident, who does not have a municipal account to prove residence, can go to the Civic Centre for a a proof of residence document, which is issued provided they have a police affidavit confirming their address.
Magwaza-Msibi residents, however, can not obtain such a document, because they live on privately owned land.
The Boutina company started issuing company-stamped proof of residence documents to assist their community.
These are, however, not recognised, resulting in residents not being able to, among others, open a bank account or an account at any trading institution.
“I’m appealing to business owners around Ermelo to be aware that such a proof of residence exists and is legitimate.
“We plead with them not to turn our people away. Please assist them so they will be able to use services offered in town,” said Boutina assistant manager, Mr Vusi Mwelase.
Applying for a driver’s license is a struggle for the youth on the farm. Therefore they migrate to where municipal services are offered, leaving the farm with no economic growth and older residents having to make do with what they have.
Mr Mwelase added that the situation is dire and assistance from any institution to educate and inform them will be welcomed.
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