Media Statement by Mr Yongama Zigebe, Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement
Citizens residing in the West Rand warmly received United Democratic Movement (UDM) President, Bantu Holomisa, MP, today as he made campaign stops in Bekkersdal Mandela Section, Mohlakeng Zenzele Ext 11, Munsieville, and Swaneville.
Mr. Holomisa exchanged greetings with residents of all ages as he walked through the streets of these communities, engaging in conversations with many about their challenges and hardships. He was joined by Professor Mthunzi Mdwaba, the UDM’s candidate for Gauteng Premier.
The evident neglect experienced by the people in these communities places them among the most marginalised in the West Rand and South Africa as a whole. Mr. Holomisa encountered firsthand the disillusionment of one woman who expressed her reluctance to vote this year due to unfulfilled promises dating back to 1994. Her children, currently unemployed and despondent, are unable to access the Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD grant).
In Madala hostel, located in Mohlakeng, the dire living conditions are evident. An open rubbish dump sits conspicuously in the heart of the community, underscoring the stark absence of adequate service delivery. Despite facing numerous challenges, the residents of this neglected area persist in making ends meet.
Traversing the streets of informal settlements in the West Rand, one cannot overlook the deplorable state of waste management. Piles of rubbish tower almost waist-high beside the roads, bearing witness to the municipality’s failure to fulfil its duty of clearing waste from sidewalks. While the UDM emphasises the importance of curbing littering habits among citizens, it is imperative for municipalities to refrain from turning sidewalks into makeshift landfill sites.
Residents of the West Rand expressed grave concerns about various issues plaguing their communities, including high levels of crime. In addition to perennial challenges such as poor service delivery, joblessness, lack of electrification, inadequate housing, water shortages, as well as limited healthcare access, residents are troubled by livestock roaming onto roads. These multifaceted issues underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the myriad challenges faced by the communities in the West Rand.
The residents expressed joy at President Holomisa’s visit and hold optimism that their vote for the UDM on 29 May 2024, will be their beacon of hope for positive change.
