Hendrina – Frustrated residents of KwaZamokuhle and Hendrina are complaining about prolonged neglect and marginalisation by the Steve Tshwete municipality.
“Our community has suffered in silence for far too long, facing disregard, excessive charges, isolation and exploitation from the Steve Tshwete administration,” said community leader Xolani Nxumalo during a peaceful march to the municipal offices on Monday, 18 August.
Nxumalo likened their situation to that of a neglected stepchild, noting that development and service delivery in their area falls far behind that of Middelburg and Mhluzi. “We just don’t seem to be a priority,” he said. “Our towns are stagnating, there are no new homes, no shopping centers and no significant infrastructure projects. It’s as if we’re invisible within this municipality.”
He further pointed out that they face exorbitant fees for essential services and electricity relative to other towns. “We’re stuck paying rates that are simply unaffordable, all while service delivery fails to meet our needs. The municipality must cease using electricity as a profit-generating tool at our expense. This is nothing short of daylight robbery against our community.”
Nxumalo has alleged that the municipality’s recruitment processes are tainted by nepotism and corruption, with tenders and contracts consistently awarded to individuals from Middelburg, leaving local entrepreneurs in the lurch. “We insist on a procurement policy that prioritises our community,” he said.
Residents were eagerly expecting Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela to receive a memorandum that outlined several major demands such as the reduction and reassessment of service charges and electricity tariffs, ensuring recruitment processes are transparent, equitable, and free from political interference, and prioritising local businesses for tenders and contracts.
However, Nxumalo expressed frustration with the mayor’s alleged response regarding their memorandum. “His reply sent a chill through us. He promised to arrive, but after waiting until late afternoon, we reached out to the superintendent of the Public Order Police. The reply we received was disheartening. We were told he said ‘he is not mad’.”
Masilela firmly rejected the claims. “I can’t say that. I hold this position because people trust me,” he stated. “They applied for section 4 of the gatherings act and requested that I and the speaker attend. Unfortunately, I was unable to be there due to an urgent meeting.”
Furthermore, the mayor assured the community that he would address their concerns and demands during an upcoming mayoral imbizo. “I maintain an open-door policy. I welcome every member of the Hendrina and KwaZamokuhle communities to come to my office at the Hendrina municipal offices to voice their complaints and grievances every Wednesday,” he added.
