By Teboho Moloi
KESTELL – Frustrated by years of economic decline and high unemployment, a group of determined Kestell residents in the cash-strapped Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) municipality have formed a youth-driven civic movement aimed at reviving their town’s fortunes.
The organisation, called the People’s Liberation Congress (PLC), was recently established by concerned community members who say poverty has become entrenched in Kestell since 1994. With municipal elections approaching, the group wants to address everyday challenges affecting residents, from joblessness to poor service delivery.
Although it is still unclear whether PLC will contest the elections, its leaders say their focus is on creating practical solutions to revive the local economy.PLC chairperson Sfiso Sibaya said their vision is to collaborate with key stakeholders in education, business and agriculture to unlock the town’s potential. Kestell is surrounded by fertile agricultural land, yet residents say this proximity has not translated into economic opportunities.
“Our home has immense potential for agricultural growth. We can produce high-quality products that benefit both the community and the province. Agricultural projects can create jobs, stimulate growth and equip young people with critical skills. We want every household to have at least two family members permanently employed,” Sibaya said.
Among PLC’s key priorities is the establishment of an industrial zone to create employment for young people. The organisation also plans to lobby for SASSA and Home Affairs satellite offices to spare residents the cost of travelling long distances for basic services. Improved infrastructure — especially roads and water — is another focus area.
PLC also supports calls from Kestell and Harrismith residents for their towns to be removed from MAP municipality, which they accuse of failing to deliver services.Looking ahead, Sibaya said the movement wants to attract private sector investment to build factories and develop an agricultural hub.
“We want to transform Kestell into a thriving economic hub that creates jobs and stimulates growth. We remain hopeful that investors will recognise the potential and seize the opportunity to contribute to local development,” he said.
Residents believe that with proper planning, agricultural development and youth involvement, Kestell can break the cycle of poverty and unemployment.
