'Enough is enough': Madiba Park residents protest against service failures

MADIBA Park residents took to the streets on Tuesday morning, burning tyres on Nobengula Road as they called for the Ward 8 councillor to step down.

The community is angry over the lack of basic services and delays in formalising the area. “Enough is enough – we are tired of empty promises,” they said.

Many residents have lived in the area for years without access to basic services, including sanitation, water and electricity. They believe the current ward councillor has failed to improve their living conditions and are calling for a new councillor who lives in the area to be appointed.

The spokesperson for the Office of the Mayor, Keobakile Musunse, said the Sol Plaatje Speaker is scheduled to address the community on Wednesday at 3pm.

She explained that there was a delay experienced in the release of an environmental impact assessment report. 

“All other outstanding issues will be dealt with at the meeting,” said Musunse.

Ward 8 councillor Kagisho Sonyoni said the ward had been neglected by his predecessors.

“I have made many strides since I was appointed. We have a budget and are ready to formalise the area. However, the challenge is that we first need to obtain approval from the Department of Environmental Affairs,” he said.

Sonyoni claimed he had the support of most residents in the area.

“It is just a handful of people who are making a noise,” he said, adding that he would also attend Wednesday’s meeting.