Local communities join forces to empower their people
In the latest development in the power cut saga in Cradock, unhappy residents protested in front of the municipal offices on Tuesday 13 February, burning tyres and throwing rocks in the streets. Protesters gained access to the municipal building from about 12:00 and it is uncertain if any damage was caused to the inside of the building.
This comes after certain areas in the Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality (IYLM) have not had power for days as the municipality intentionally disconnected it on 2 February in a bid to force users to settle at least 25% of their unpaid bills.
On 12 February, residents of Lingelihle and Twinsville barricaded the N10 (direction Gqeberha) and R61 (direction Tarkastad) to voice their discontent and demand the restoration of the electricity supply.
Order falls on deaf ears
On 9 February, the Makhanda High Court granted an urgent application against the Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality electricity disconnections. The high court order was brought to reinstate municipal electricity supply to a local businessman’s business. According to Petrus Plaatjies,
Residents of Hofmeyr and Cradock recently came together for a three-day training session aimed at empowering their communities. Held at the Victoria Manor in Cradock from 13 to 15 February, the event was led by Bernie Dolley, managing director of Ikhala Trust.
The training focused on strategic community development, where assets within the community are identified for sustainable development. A total of 28 representatives from various non-profit organisations (NPOs) in Cradock and eight representatives from Hofmeyr Hugs of Hope participated.
The non-profit organisation, Hofmeyr Hugs of Hope, was established in 2017 and has been instrumental in driving positive change in its community.
Inspired by an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) training session in Tarkastad, Hugs has since undertaken numerous successful projects, bringing noticeable improvements to Hofmeyr, Twinsville, Schoombee and Eluxolweni. The request for training in Cradock came from community members and was led by Lisa Ker, who represents several projects steering committee member of the Michausdal Ratepayers Association, the sheriff of the court served the court order to officials of the municipality and the contents of the order were explained to them.
On 12 February, the high court applicant’s business is still unable to purchase prepaid electricity, and its meters remain blocked. Municipal Manager Mkhululi Mbebe could not be reached by phone and a message was sent to him, to which no reply has been received.
Shadow Minister of Social Development Kobus Botha, who is also MPL and DA EC Midlands Constituency leader, penned a letter to MEC Zolile Williams, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs of the Eastern Cape, requesting a Section 106 intervention regarding the municipality. The letter served as a reminder of the MEC's responsibility under Section 105(1) of the Municipal Systems Act to issue a Section 106 notice, enabling the MEC to request information. Botha also emphasised the right of affected customers to lodge objections with the municipal manager within 21 days.
Public cries for help
According to Bettie Lawens, DA councillor in Cradock, the elderly folks suffer the most because they had no power for days. in Cradock. Following the principles of ABCD, Hofmeyr Hugs of Hope collaborated with Ikhala Trust to organise the training.
Dolley said that Ikhala Trust supports this approach because deep and lasting community change always comes from within. Every person has abilities and gifts, and residents are experts and key change agents. Additionally, the approach fosters social duties and freedom and uses few outside supplies, but develops lasting change, building from the inside out and developing a personal basis for making
Plaatjies says it seems that the municipality is now afraid of the people who voted for them. Captain Nico Malan, the mediator, was in contact with the mayor, the budget and treasury officer, and the speaker, Thembi Mbotya.
Mbotya received the petition on 9 February, and it was referred to the municipal petition committee, which was in session over the weekend, but by 12 February no feedback had been received from Mbotya.
The communities of Cradock and Middelburg believe that the IYLM has not followed its own policy procedures.
Teresa Opperman
Protesters gained access to the municipal building from about 12:00 and it is uncertain if any damage was caused to the inside of the building.
“This failure represents the officials' neglect of their fiduciary duties to fulfil their constitutional obligations ,”says Botha.
Residents aim to facilitate a cooperative process where the principles of constitutional fairness can be discussed to resolve the electricity blockages in both municipalities.
A meeting was held yesterday, Wednesday 14 February, for the community to respond and make arrangements for the payment of overdue amounts.
At the time of going to print the outcome of the meeting was not yet known. The Advertiser will report on this as soon as information becomes available. associations and resources that add value to community life.
These include human assets, such as skills, knowledge, labour and health; social assets, including social networks and relationships built on trust and reciprocity; natural assets, encompassing land, water, fertile soil, animals, and climatic conditions; financial assets, which consist of cash, livestock, grain reserves, savings, and retirement funds; and physical assets, such as infrastructure like roads, bridges, clinics, schools, transportation systems, housing, and utilities like water supply and sanitation facilities.
Several times during every year, Ikhala Trust and its supported organisations offer asset-based community development training throughout the Eastern Cape.
The trainers undergo professional training with Ninnette Eliasov of Elamanzi before they may train others with Ikhala Trust materials. As part of the agreement to use Ikhala Trust training material, supported organisations commit not to charge participants for training.