EMM acknowledge receipt of memorandum from Birch Acres residents

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has responded to last week’ protest when Birch Acres residents blocked roads with rocks and burning tyres from 1am on Thursday, September 15.

The mall was closed for business earlier that morning.

A memorandum of grievances was handed over to a Mayor’s office representative Mr Vusumuzi Zondo.

The residents complained about unavailability of facilities such as clinics, libraries, parks and community halls.

Residents were angry because their children were born and raised in the area but they don’t have their own schools to go to.

Among these is also a concern about illegal spaza shops and other small businesses that are popping up.

Residents said these pose a safety threat and they are affecting the value their properties.

Community leader Mr Richard Seletisha said they have a municipal map of Birch Acres which shows spaces that have been earmarked for these community facilities.

“We bought property in the area because we were promised the development of schools and libraries,” said Mr Seletisha.

Mr Seletisha said the protest at Birch Acres Mall was a subsequent query following on from 2014 inquiries when residents engaged the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) on the use of the open spaces.

He said spaces designated for the building of schools, clinics and libraries has since been sold to private owners for commercial purposes.

Protesters Mr Mukwevho Ngudo and Lutendo Maphala said churches have been erected on many of the pieces of designated land .

“We are giving the Mayor’s office seven days to respond and if they fail to respond we will embark on a more intensive protest,” said Mr Seletisha.

EMM’s new mayor, Clr Mzwandile Masina was not present to hear and receive a memorandum of grievances.

EMM spokesperson, Mr Themba Gadebe confirmed that the municipality received a memorandum from the concerned residents.

“All due process in terms of the metro’s system of handling of petitions will now be followed. We are also going to do everything possible to respond to the residents within the stipulated seven days,” said Mr Gadebe.

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