It became apparent from yesterday’s meeting, that while political parties have openly decided which faction they will be siding up to, the Middelburg residents can rest assured that they’re standing alone.
The unravelling of Middelburg is already glaringly visible despite the fact that municipal workers only downed tools on Tuesday.
Multiple ruptures in the water network, power interruptions spotting our town, sewer leaks and building waste is plaguing each and every resident, who much like the striking workers, are also eligible for basic human rights.
The bitter reality of the situation is that the strike has now infringed upon the human rights of Middelburg residents, who are in fact, the majority.
While the ANC which openly classifies itself as a torch bearer for human rights (regardless of race or religion) respects the individual’s right to strike, STLM’s council has denied it’s residents access to paid-for service delivery through lengthy power and water interruptions, lack of maintenance and halted waste collection.
They have denied residents their right to a safe environment which by all means should be protected by the constitution from degradation and pollution.
They have denied residents an environment which is safe for their health and wellbeing through growing mounds of rotting waste and water contaminated by month-long sewer leaks.
And they have done so by failing to successfully address the ongoing protests and the sabotage and intimidation that has come with it.
When former politicians held in high regard by the public, came together to establish a residents’ front, the community was hopeful that those individuals would use their clout and experience to protect the residents of Middelburg.
It is however alleged that the very Front openly sympathises with the +-300 ungratified individuals who are holding the town hostage.
Despite municipal management’s successful application for an interdict against the strike, as well as a directive from higher up to implement the no work no pay policy, the council weakly enables the continual of the strike in fear of threats that “should the strikers be dismissed, Middelburg will burn”.
Best yet, municipal management likely knows each instigator by name and face, yet fails to acknowledge that their threats are nothing short of domestic terrorism.
• A footnote for Middelburg residents: According to the South African Bill of Rights, each individual also maintains the right to approach a competent court, should their human rights be infringed upon or threatened, both as an individual or in the interest of a group or class of persons.
