eMBALENHLE – A good gesture by Ms Thandi Ngxonono, executive mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality, has raised eyebrows when she and the mayoral committee took part in a cleaning campaign with a controversial forum during the 67 minutes on Mandela Day.
People questioned the relationship of Ms Ngxonono, the mayoral committee and the forum.
The Govan Mbeki Community Forum is implicated in the torching of the Murray and Roberts company in June.
Three of the forum leaders are attending court cases regarding the matter.
Concerned residents said it was alarming that the first citizen of the municipality and the mayoral committee can partner with a forum implicated in such a serious crime.
“I was shocked when I saw media reports that the mayoral committee was cleaning the area with the forum.
“Does it mean the mayor approves of this forum?
“I think the mayor and the speaker must clarify their standing with the forum,” said a resident.
Members of the forum have been picketing outside various companies’ premises in demand of jobs for locals.
They usually gather at the eMbalenhle Stadium to plan their activities and then go out to their daily targets.
Murray and Roberts was allegedly torched in June by the members of the forum and its leaders were arrested.
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/117395/video-protest-murray-roberts-outside-secunda-escalates/#more-117395
In another incident, the Nelson Mandela memorial lecture that was supposed to be addressed by Mr Peter Nyoni, candidate for ANC Mpumalanga Provincial chairman, was disrupted by a group of people associated with the forum.
Mr Nyoni donated furniture and stationery to the Zondo family and pledged to build a house for them after they had lost everything in a fire in June.
He also handed over a soccer kit to a local soccer team.
Mr Nyoni headed to the eMbalenhle South Hall where he encountered a mob picketing at the entrance to the hall.
They blocked the entrance and demanded roads, electricity and houses.
They were singing struggle songs and did not allow any of the ANC members to address them.
The ANC members asked to talk to the leaders of the group, but they did not have leaders and said they were there to ensure that the party stops lying to people.
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/120012/nelson-mandela-lecture-collapsed-alleged-forum-members/
People shared different views about being part of the protest. Some told the media that they were told that Ms Refilwe Mtsweni, Premier, was coming to unseat Ms Ngxonono.
“We are sick and tired of the nonsense going on at our municipality and we will not allow any activity by the ANC until we get jobs.
“We are here to let them know that we are sick and tired of their lies.”
Some of the people confirmed that they were part of the forum and that they gathered at their usual place before going to the hall.
However, people who denied being the leaders said they were not representing the forum.
Mr Ashly Dubazane, leader of the forum, distanced himself from being involved in politics.
He said the mayoral committee decided to join them on their campaign and that it was unplanned.
“The mayor addressed us to thank us, but we do not have any relationship with her.
“Regarding the memorial lecture, I was not there and the forum was not part of those who picketed.
“Maybe members of the forum were there as part of the community.
“We often advise them not to involve themselves in such activities, because it will dent our image.
“We are not political involved, we just want jobs for locals.”
Reliable sources told the Ridge Times that the ANC faction that is anti-Mr Nyoni, organised the protest to disrupt his campaign for chairmanship.
Addressing his supporters, Mr Nyoni encouraged them to be courageous and to continue with the good work.
Ms Ngxonono is facing assault charges after she had allegedly slapped an employee and the docket is currently at the court for findings.
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/118006/govan-mbeki-municipalitys-executive-mayor-facing-assault-charges/
When asked for comment, she said: “I am not in a good space to make a comment. I will release a statement soon.”
