Irate residents from Siyangena informal settlement in Lower Crossroads barricaded Govan Mbeki and New Eisleben roads with stones and burning tyres, demanding that the City install electricity in the area. They also set traffic lights alight.

All we want is electricity

Community member Liziwe Nyathi said all they want is electricity. She said they are at risk because the area is dark at night.

“The crime rate is high here because it is dark at night. We are not safe, particularly us as women. The City is quiet about the way forward. We approached our Ward 35 councillor Mboniswa Chitha and City officials, but nothing happened,” she said.

Nyathi threatened to intensify the protest by pelting motorists with stones. She dismissed the narrative that they are using the upcoming elections to demand electricity, stating that the City has known about their plight for a long time.

ALSO READ: Siyangena shack dwellers protest for electricity access

Another resident, who identified herself as Pam, threatened that they would burn The Junxion Mall in Philippi. She said they will not stop until their grievances are heard.

Councillor responds

Ward 35 councillor Mboniswa Chitha said he was aware of the community’s grievances, stating that he was also waiting for City officials to address the matter.

“Last month we had a meeting with City officials and Philippi Village management in my office to address the issue. That area is on private land, and there is nothing the City can do without the property owner. There is alternative land at Philippi Village where the City could relocate at least 94 people,” explained Chitha.

However, he stated that the issue is the length of time they would stay there.

“Philippi Village doesn’t have a problem, but is asking about the period that these people are going to stay on their land. So the City doesn’t want to commit itself. That is why there is a protest again,” explained Chitha.