By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) braved the scorching sun and marched to the Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) local municipality offices to deliver a memorandum demanding improved service delivery.
Most notable among their demands was an expression of lack of confidence in executive mayor Malekula Melato.
The peaceful march, held on November 20, began at Freedom Square in Phuthaditjhaba and was led by EFF provincial and regional leaders, Coach Diphoko and Mohau Molwele, respectively. The demonstration coincided with a council meeting, forcing EFF members to wait for Mayor Melato to emerge and accept their memorandum.
Addressing the gathered crowd, Molwele emphasized the march’s purpose:
“We have heard the concerns of the community, and as the EFF, we stand with the people. We are grateful that the leadership of Maluti-a-Phofung has taken the time to receive this memorandum. However, we demand that our community’s grievances, particularly on service delivery, be taken seriously. We are not hooligans, we organized this march to advocate for the people of Maluti-a-Phofung.”
Molwele outlined the critical issues raised in the memorandum as the following:
Water and sanitation; persistent shortages and poor quality of water supply. Corruption and abuse of power; allegations of male leaders seeking inappropriate favors from female job applicants in exchange for job security. Electricity and prepaid meters; Confusion over the installation of new prepaid meters and a lack of vending stations in rural areas. Waste management; inadequate refuse removal leading to unhygienic living conditions.
Council speaker Mandlenkosi Dlamini signing and receiving EFF memorandum.
EFF council member Chicco Mkwanazi also addressed the crowd, stating that numerous attempts to raise these concerns in council meetings had been ignored.
“This march is a last resort. We refuse to accept the continued neglect of our communities. I want to thank everyone who showed up to support this cause,” he said.
In a show of cooperation, members of the council’s Troika, including Speaker Mandlenkosi Dlamini, Chief Whip Moeketsi Lebesa, and new Municipal Manager Motshoahae Mofokeng, stepped out of the council session to receive and sign the memorandum. Mayor Melato also joined them.
The EFF has vowed to hold the municipality accountable, demanding swift action to address the highlighted issues. As Molwele outlined that this is not just about words, it’s about taking action and that it’s time for the EFF to fight corruption and ensure that the people of Maluti-a-Phofung receive the services they deserve.
