People estranged from government

THERE was a time, not too many years ago, when ward councillors were regarded by their constituents as esteemed, trusted leaders of their communities, the people leading the cause of the poor. That has since changed. Almost every week, there are reports from around the country of councillors’ homes and offices destroyed and threats of violence by groups of disgruntled communities.

This newspaper reported over a period of 10 days on two incidents of two Nelson Mandela Bay councillors who fear for their lives because they have been threatened by angry members of the community.

The circumstances around the two incidents differ, but the common thread is that there are expectations of the councillors by the communities, however unrealistic they may be.

They want services, houses and jobs, and they want them now.

This often leads them to attack the person they believe represents the government institution they are ultimately lashing out at.

People are becoming increasingly impatient and frustrated by the bureaucracy and endless delays in government processes.

Granted, violence and intimidation can never be condoned.

In fact, the people who make violent threats, and at times follow these through, must face the full might of the law.

But what we are witnessing throughout the country is a widening disconnect between the government – with all its representatives – and the ordinary citizens.

People complain constantly that they are forgotten the very day after the elections.

Therefore, elected public representatives must do more to ensure the constituencies they lead understand government processes and all the red tape.

They must ensure they fight harder to champion the plight of the residents who voted for them.

They must keep the lines of communication open and be more accessible to their constituents.

In doing so, we may see more communities rallying behind their ward councillors in times of distress and defending them against opportunists on a crime spree.