Bekkersdal residents take on Agang leader
Residents asked questions as to why they had never benefitted from the mines that surround them even during her time as a board member at Gold Fields.
Leader of the newly formed political party AgangSA, Mamphele Ramphele came under attack by residents of Bekkersdal on 20 November when they posed tough questions to her with regards to her commitment in helping them where their service delivery issues are concerned.
This was during her visit to the troubled township where she was expected to address the concerned residents with regards to their outcries for housing, electricity, water and proper sanitation.
Mamphele, who was expected to bring calm to the area was met by a string of questions with regards to her recently declared wealth of R55 million acquired during her involvement with Anglo American and Goldfields, which is situated in the mining community of Westonaria.
Residents asked questions as to why they had never benefitted from the mines that surround them even during her time as a board member.
“I was on the Gold Fields board and not the executive, however I take your criticism,” said Ramphele.
“I will try to get clarity from Gold Fields about its plans to benefit mining communities.
“I didn’t do the declaration of my wealth to show off but as a way to fight corruption.
“I wanted to say that if anyone wants to represent you as a leader, then they must declare their assets.
“The main issue is transparency and not publicity,” says Ramphele.
Meanwhile, community Thabang Wesi says that despite the confrontation that occured, the community of Bekkersdal welcomed Ramphele.
“She expressed dissapointed about the condition of Bekkersdal so many years after democracy, especially where service delivery is concerned.
“She was shocked to see that to date, we still have to walk over sewage,” says Wesi.
She said that she will revert back with feedback on 27 November.
