Last night the City of Joburg Mayor Herman Mashaba was heckled as he tried to address angry protesters at the Marlborough Hall, in region E, as part of the integrated development plan (IDP) meeting to explain the finance available for the region.
But protesters had none of it.
The main gripe is that Mashaba did not make himself immediately available after April 3 protests that took place to address thorny issues such as crime, land availability, illegal dumping and Alexandra Renewal Programme, amongst others.
Following the address by both the Premier David Makhura and Pres Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, residents feel Mashaba is a ‘coward’ and should stop politicking and take their demands serious.
In his response the Mayor said:” They were a minority in the venue but they refused to relent and allow the proceedings to get under way.”
“Even after the memorandum of grievances were handed over, the disruption continued. It was clear that they didn’t want ordinary people to speak, and they did not want government to listen,” said Mashaba, who was accompanied by his team.
The mayor said the city was willing to assist with residents’ grievances, such as refuse collection and combating illegal dumping. It was also allocating money towards improving the supply of electricity.
#AlexShutDown movement organiser Sandile Mavundla denied that they kicked Mashaba out of the meeting.
He also denied they were used by the ANC as part of campaigning ahead of national polls in May 8.
However, the stand-off between Mashaba and the community still stands.
Image (CoJ Mayor Herman Mashaba and Alex residents seem not to be seeing eye-to eye).
