Byline: Andani Matumba & Refeloe Letsoisa
15 August 2023
Residents from Branden Village caused a chaos at the council sitting when they burst in and interrupted the meeting on Monday, 31 July at the Council Chamber in Secunda.
This incident occurred after the council sitting was postponed on Thursday, 27 July 2023 reasons being of the chosen acting Executive Mayor for the said day.
The chaos was after some of the residents illegally occupied the houses at Branden Village and have allegedly, since occupation, failed to pay for electricity which was subsequently cut-off by Evander Gold Mine.
Negation were entered into a memorandum by the residents which was submitted to the municipal which focused on repayment plan, reconnection of electricity and the passing of ownership rights.
The angry residents pushed the bodyguards and councillors to the ground while pouring them with water trying to reach the Executive Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma.
The new female EFF councillor from Bethal was injured and later taken to the hospital after being thrown with a chair from behind.
“We understand that violence is not a solution to the problem but we sympathy with the residents of Branden Village as we all know that water and electricity are basic needs for everyone,” said Encee Van Huyssteen, Govan Mbeki DA caucus leader.
At the end, Mr Zuma and councillors were escorted by the police to hear and respond to the concerns of the residents.
