Angry crowd chase DA leaders away
TSHWANE mayor Solly Msimanga and DA leader Mmusi Maimane were chased away by an angry crowd in Ga-Rankuwa, north of Pretoria, during what was supposed to be a site visit to a small business and job creation project yesterday.
Police were called to escort the two DA leaders out of the hall as angry residents hurled insults at them.
Community members say they are dissatisfied with the service delivery rendered by the DA administration, complaining about the sewerage system that has not been working properly for a number of years. Some residents even came forward with buckets full of faeces to show the mayor what they are forced to endure every day.
“We’ve been pleading with the mayor to come and address our grievances, but no, he comes here to see 25 people out of the entire community... that’s not fair, they come to us when they need votes and neglect us as soon as they are elected,” resident Mduduzi Mopai said.
He said he had been staying in a shack in Zone 14 with no electricity and running water for five years, and that Msimanga has been promising to come and hold a meeting with them but had failed to do so.
“We are not undermining the mayor’s visit, but then what else must we do to get his attention? We also need his attention.”
Msimanga said they had been meaning to come and address residents on their issues but had been blocked every time they attempted to engage with residents.
“You have people who are genuinely saying engage with us, but while you are still engaging, there’s another group that comes and says we don’t want you here,” he said.
“How am I supposed to hear the community’s concerns and address their concerns when you have people who are willing to ensure you don’t come and address them?” Msimanga said.
The mayor said he was committed to delivering services and planned to return to the community of Ga-Rankuwa in two weeks.