Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Israel Nkuna
Published on 2024-03-28 12:02:22
As the 2024 national elections draw near, the Limpopo Concern team, working under the Greater Giyani Municipality, has issued a strong call to political parties seeking support in the villages of Khakhala, Gawula, Mahlathi, Ndindani, and Hlomela. They have made it clear that until critical infrastructure needs are effectively addressed, any attempts at political campaigning within these neglected communities will be met with significant resistance.
In response to this call to action, residents of the five villages have come together to form a WhatsApp group called ‘No Road No Vote’, which currently boasts 10,024 participants. The group’s goal is to unite and boycott the upcoming election due to unfulfilled promises by the ruling party, particularly the failure to provide a tarred road despite repeated assurances during previous campaigns.
The core of this resistance stems from years of neglect and broken promises. These communities face numerous challenges, including inadequate access to essential services like clean water and sanitation, as well as high unemployment rates that leave many residents struggling to make ends meet. However, it is the absence of a tarred road, specifically the D3810, that symbolizes governmental neglect and the failure to fulfill commitments to the people of Greater Giyani.
These grievances have been highlighted in various articles, including in the Daily Maverick, where the hashtag #NoXikontiriNoVote has gained traction as a rallying cry for residents demanding accountability from their political leaders. The road issue has become a focal point for residents to stand together in unity and demand the necessary improvements to their community.
Despite a brief glimmer of hope with the visit of former Deputy President David Mabuza to Mahlathi and Ndindani villages in 2019, the optimism quickly faded with allegations of bribery and ineffective leadership within the committee tasked with addressing the D3810 road issue. The presence of ANC-affiliated members in key positions only fueled suspicions of political interference, further eroding trust within the community.
Moreover, the residents of these villages face daily struggles in accessing clean water, resorting to temporary solutions like boreholes and underground springs due to the failure of municipal water systems to reach their remote locations. The high costs associated with these alternative water sources exacerbate the financial burden on already struggling households, leading to further resentment towards local governance structures.
Amidst these challenges, the Limpopo Concern team persists in their efforts to bring about meaningful change. Despite facing setbacks and lack of engagement from key stakeholders, they have taken matters into their own hands by launching protest actions to disrupt the electoral process in their wards until their demands are met. Their unwavering commitment to accountability and change serves as a testament to their resilience and determination.
While the announcement of a tender for the D3810 road construction brought some hope, the skepticism lingers as construction has yet to commence, raising questions about the timing of these developments in light of the upcoming elections. As the countdown to the 2024 elections continues, the residents of these villages remain steadfast in their demand for transformative change, echoing the message: no road, no vote. Until their voices are heard and their needs addressed, they will continue to push for a brighter future for their communities and future generations.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
