New testimony given to Human Rights Commission
The cases of human rights violations against Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM) was again on the agenda at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in Mbombela on Monday November 8.
Three Lydenburg delegates testified under oath that the report handed into the SAHRC in September was truthful and based on facts.
Yvette Labuschagne (Yvette Labuschagne Attorneys, Conveyancers, Property Management), Wessel Davel (Lydenburg/Mashishing Concerned Citizens Association) and Spiros Couvaras (DA councillor) testified about the alleged human rights violations in TCLM.
Labuschagne said that the SAHRC is currently investigating serious complaints against several municipalities throughout the province.
“In the South African Constitution it is stated the municipality must perform the following functions: electricity and gas reticulation, municipal planning, stormwater management systems, water and sanitation services limited to portable water supply systems and domestic water waste and sewerage disposal systems, municipal roads, refuse removal, refuse dumps and solid waste removal, and firefighting and emergency services. We found irrefutable proof that these basic services are not provided,” said Labuschagne.
George Viljoen also testified on Wednesday September 29 about his own struggles as a community leader in Kellysville (Steelburger/Lydenburg News Thursday October 7).
The report includes court application details brought against the provincial and national government to intervene in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution.
“In October 2020, we, on behalf of the concerned residents, obtained legal advice from municipal law specialist,
Adv Allen Liversage. He advised us to compile professional reports on the state of the current municipal infrastructure and non-compliance with applicable legislation by TCLM,” said Labuschagne.
Davel also testified that the national and provincial governments must see to the effective performance by the municipality of these services, and the provincial government must monitor and support the municipality.
“We shall continue with our efforts to hold all spheres of government responsible, and we thank each resident and community forum for their input this past year,” said Labuschagne.
The Lydenburg delegates were advised that SAHRC is planning a site inspection for later this week in Lydenburg. The SAHRC will be accompanied by engineers and surveyors that were involved in compiling the report.
* TCLM said it had contacted all the relevant national and provincial departments and is awaiting feedback before replying to enquiries from Steelburger/ Lydenburg News.
