eSikhaleni community issues to be addressed
ISSUES which emerged during a community protest in eSikhaleni last week will be fully investigated. This according to City of uMhlathuze Communications Manager, Mdu Ncalane on Friday, after leaders of the Golekane Movement met with City Mayor, Cllr Mduduzi Mhlongo and other officials in Richards Bay on Thursday. Residents had given the city four working days to find resolutions on grievances listed in a memorandum. In the list of their concerns, residents said they were paying high rates and demanded to pay only R300. They also wanted the municipality to conduct maintenance of all structures and employ more people to work in their eSikhaleni offices. They demanded employment on all development projects in the area. During the protest, the mayor had received the memorandum and acknowledged the community’s issues. ‘Issues which were part of the memorandum are project based and will be discussed further. A report will be released after resolutions have been established,’ said Ncalane.
Councillor accused of sexual misconduct
In addition to the service delivery protest, residents accused a local councillor of misconduct, saying he promises people jobs in exchange for sexual favours. According to Chico Langa of Golekane Movement, many women have come forward and accused the man of sexual abuse. ‘We will soon lay criminal charges because he uses his power to lure our sisters into his bed. ‘A number of female residents say they have been promised employment if they sleep with him but they still don’t have those jobs. ‘We want him gone and a new councillor who respects people, especially women, should be in charge,’ said Langa.
‘Lay criminal charges’
The city mayor previously urged the community to lay criminal charges against the accused councillor. ‘The issue of rape is a criminal offense and if residents feel strongly on it they must contact the police. ‘I also don’t have the authority to remove the councillor because he was deployed by the ANC not the municipality,’ said Cllr Mhlongo.