By Doreen Mokgolo
- Germiston residents shut down the Ekurhuleni State of the City Address with signs and struggle songs.
- They want title deeds and say the city cut their water and power this week without warning.
Angry residents from Germiston’s Delport, Delpark, Airport Park and Delville stormed the Ekurhuleni State of the City Address on Thursday, demanding proper services and title deeds.
The residents brought the mayoral parade to a halt. They held up placards and sang struggle songs as they pushed their way into the event.
They say they’ve had enough of poor service delivery and being ignored.
Boitumelo Seitlhamo, one of the residents, said they were promised title deeds years ago when they moved into flats that were donated by an American organisation.
“We were told we’d get title deeds within four years. But later, we were told the flats belong to the municipality and we have to pay rent and for services,” she said.
She added that when they apply for RDP houses, they’re blocked and told they already have homes—because of the donated flats.
“On Monday, the city sent officials to cut off our water and electricity,” she said.
“They expect us to pay rent for these RDP houses. We don’t mind paying for services, but not for the houses.”
Inside the venue, chaos continued as Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillors disrupted the mayor’s speech with placards of their own.
The placards listed various service delivery issues like potholes and power cuts.
The EFF is in coalition with the ANC in the council, and two of its councillors are members of the mayoral committee.
But bringing placards into the council chambers breaks council rules.
Council speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga said the placards are considered weapons under council standing orders and should not have been displayed.
EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga denied that the party disrupted the address.
“Our placards aren’t weapons,” he said. “Every councillor has papers in front of them, and those aren’t called weapons.”
Pictured above: Protesting residents.
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
