Gallery Update
GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Making history, 200 residents of the Dr Beyers Naude municipal area from all backgrounds took to the streets in Graaff-Reinet on Wednesday morning, 8 February to voice their displeasure with the local municipality.
The newly formed civil rights movement, People for Basic Rights (P4BR), managed to mobilise people to unite, even though for many, airing their grievances in such a public way is still an alien concept.
PHOTO GALLERY: Graaff-Reinet marches for service delivery
As local resident, Carlo Adams, so aptly explained: "It is your right to demand the basic rights allowed to you by the constitution and to take on those who deny you those rights."
Tired of years of fruitless meetings, community neglect and empty promises, the protest goers marched in an orderly fashion against poor service delivery and mismanagement of the municipality. The marchers were cheered on by onlookers, hooting drivers and the local Steers staff handed out water to marchers in Church Street to show their support. The communities in the DBNLM area have reached the point where they are finally saying: "Enough is enough."
Sias Smith, organiser of the march and convener of the Action Save DBNLM Movement, said residents are collectively starting to make a difference. "Not through politics, hate speech or violence, but through involvement and collectively holding the municipal management accountable."
A memorandum was drafted, read out and signed by community leaders before it was handed over to Cheslin Felix, Speaker of DBNLM. Felix accepted the memorandum on behalf of municipal management with the promise that feedback regarding issues submitted will be given on or before 10 working days.
Thembinkosi Bambelo of the Aberdeen Service Delivery Movement, asked why Dr Eddie Rankwana was even considered for re-appointment as his performance during his time in office leaves a lot to be desired.
Donovan Koeberg of Action Save DBNLM Movement said government is exploiting our differences and keeping us as a society divided for its own gain.
"It is time we stop worshipping political parties as they have continued to fail us. We must take the power back and use our voices collectively and in unity."
His powerful statement showed the honest emotion of a leader who can no longer keep quiet about the injustices government officials and processes inflict on its citizens.
Martin Block, member of the Camdeboo Development Forum (CDF) stated that businesses, households and the local economy are left crippled under the mismanagement of the DBNLM and the nonchalant attitude those in control seem to have regarding the state of the municipal finances and infrastructure.
The plea of the residents of Willowmore was also heard from representative Zola Menze who urged the municipality to stop lying to residents and start addressing the water provision crisis in the area.
Menze said there are simple solutions and if the municipal management has the skill-set they get paid for, they should be able to effectively deal with these issues.
Instead they keep residents in the dark and by spreading incorrect information.
Aberdeen resident, Rose Milbank, asked why so many residents are more comfortable moaning from the comfort of their homes and behind the screens of their phones rather than joining in the march.
"For everyone to enjoy the fruits of this march, residents must support all actions taken to bring the issues to the fore. We are all in this together and only together can we make a difference."
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DBNLM Speaker Cheslin Felix (far left) stands by as Donovan Koeberg of Action Save DBNLM (left) and P4BR convenor Sias Smith sign the memorandum. Photo: Pieter Pienaar
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