Councilor speaks out against violance
Mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina is expected to address Phomolong residents on Tuesday, October 25, at 3pm.
Ward 12 councillor, Clr Simon Kwili, told the Tembisan that he is disappointed with last week’s Phomolong violence.
On October 19, Phomolong Section’s disgruntled residents took to the streets to air their concerns.
A memorandum of grievances was handed over to Ekurhuleni’s executive mayor, Clr Mzwandile Masina, and the community demanded feedback after seven days.
“The violence was uncalled for. Channels of communication are always open,” said Clr Kwili.
Clr Kwili said he was aware about the billing system problems and he refuted allegation that he ignores the community’s complaints.
“I disprove the lie that I don’t stay among the residents. I don’t own a property in town – I have been a resident here since September 1993.”
He said as a resident and councillor of the ward he is also affected by the same problems that the community is complaining about.
“I have taken the matter further to the municipality’s finance department and I was told that the department only follows policy,” said Clr Kwili.
He said the community must understand that for any policy change protocol must be followed.
He said people must comprehend how the departmental processes work instead of resorting to crime.
“There has never been proper engagement between the council and the organisers of the protest,” said Clr Kwili.
He said he was made aware of the planned strike but he tried to curb the violence by warning the leaders of the potential danger that the protest could lead to.
The strike resulted in damaged ATMs, damaged Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) satellite offices and a building earmarked for a local rehabilitation centre.
“I discourage violent protests because this makes us go backwards. That EMPD satellite office was set up to make document certification easy for Phomolong residents but now people will have to travel long distances to get their documents certified,” said Clr Kwili.
“Billing is a government problem that entails debt collection, indigents and credit control. I support a call for the system’s revue, but the vandalism of the property disheartens me.”
Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) leadership has distanced itself from the use of violence in the protest.
Shortly before the Tembisan went to print, the mayor announced on Monday that he was to host a public meeting on October 25 at the Phomolong Stadium to give feedback to the community on the memorandum he had received.
After addressing residents, the mayor was expected to travel to the Winnie Mandela informal settlement for the launch of informal dwellings that are part of the re-blocking pilot programme in the area.
