Angry Kimberley residents from several informal settlements, including Chris Hani Park, Tambo Square, and Marikana, took to the streets on Monday to protest against the Sol Plaatje Municipality, demanding urgent action over poor service delivery.
Protesters barricaded roads with burning tires and rocks, expressing frustration over unfulfilled promises by the municipality. Key grievances include exorbitant electricity prices, persistent sewage spillages, and the lack of formalized infrastructure in their communities.
“Our Children Are Getting Sick” – Residents Speak Out
Residents highlighted dire living conditions, with raw sewage flooding streets and homes. One protester lamented, “Our yards are wet, the streets are wet—you can’t even walk barefoot here.” The community also raised concerns over health risks, claiming that at least 17 people have contracted tuberculosis (TB) due to unsanitary conditions, with two reported fatalities.
Electricity costs were another major issue, with residents stating that they receive minimal units for their money. “You buy electricity, but you only get about 18 units. Does that make sense?” one protester asked.
Municipal Manager Tours Area, Admits Failures
Sol Plaatje Municipal Manager Thapelo Matlala was taken on a tour of the affected areas, where he witnessed sewage-drenched streets and crumbling infrastructure. Matlala acknowledged the severity of the situation, calling it “quite disturbing” and promising to establish a specialized team to address the issues. However, he admitted that initial fixes would only provide temporary relief.
Residents Vow to Continue Protests
Despite the municipality’s assurances, residents remain skeptical, citing years of neglect. “We have been getting lip service for too long,” one community member said. They have vowed to continue demonstrations until Executive Mayor Barbara Bartlett, Speaker Dipuo Peters, and Matlala personally address their demands.
This protest follows a similar march two weeks ago to the office of Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul, underscoring growing impatience with local government inaction.
As tensions rise, the Sol Plaatje Municipality faces mounting pressure to deliver tangible solutions or risk further unrest.