Image: Facebook
Residents of Ward 14, supported by members of the Economic Freedom Fighters, marched to the eMalahleni Local Municipality offices on 17 February 2025 to demand action over ongoing service delivery challenges in the area.
Dozens of community members participated in the protest, raising concerns about housing allocations, deteriorating infrastructure and the rise of illegal mining activities in their communities.
Protest leaders said the demonstration was aimed at holding the municipality accountable for issues that residents claim have remained unresolved for years.
Among the demands outlined in the memorandum was a call for transparency in housing allocations, with residents alleging that corruption and favouritism continue to affect the process. Community members also called for improved roads, reliable water supply and stable electricity services.
Illegal mining was another major concern raised during the march, with residents claiming that unregulated operations are damaging the environment and posing safety risks to nearby communities.
The protesting group has given the municipality 14 working days to respond to the memorandum, warning that failure to address the issues could result in further protest action.
“We are tired of promises that never materialise,” a spokesperson for the group said. “People deserve decent living conditions, fair access to housing and safe communities.”
Municipal officials received the memorandum and confirmed that the concerns raised by residents would be reviewed. However, no formal response had been issued at the time of publication.
The protest adds to growing frustration in parts of eMalahleni, where residents in several wards have repeatedly raised concerns over service delivery, unemployment and allegations of corruption linked to municipal processes.
