The angry residents demanded to meet with ELM Mayor Mahole Mofokeng regarding what they term the ‘wrong-billing’ system. Instead the memorandum, with its 14-day ultimatum, was received by ELM Housing MMC Councillor Jan Moshoadiba. The community was informed that mayor Mofokeng has been admitted to hospital. The residents, travelling in four buses from Stradford Extension One and claiming to be widows, widowers and unemployed, said they were not scared of MBD, the debt-collectors hired by the ELM.
The coordinator of the association, Steve Chauke, said the municipality is cruel and has high demands on the poor community.“They always fail to meet the public’s demands. We will fight to the end.
“The tariffs are undermining the democracy we fought for. The community of the Vaal has been quiet for too long and it is now time to take a stand. Our government is taking advantage of our loyalty and we are not going to rest until this mess is sorted.” Community members in their memorandum instructed the municipality to stop MBD from threatening them through letters and SMSs as this will not help the situation.
“Stop employing only ANC card-carrying members in projects. Issue us with title deeds without favour. We also demand the total scrapping of the current faulty rates and taxes. Create jobs, repair leaking water pipes, empower the community through skills development and perhaps we will pay.” On receiving the letter, Moshoadiba assured the residents that he will look into their complaints.
