Freedom Park is a thriving mining community that falls under ward 24 in the Bojanala district of the Rustenburg town municipality. Fondly known as Number 8 because of the eighth mining shaft not far from the township and a predominantly Economic Freedom Front stronghold area. Sunrise News had the opportunity to interact with the ward councillor Gosetsemang Motlhamme subsequent to his affirmative speech delivered at the cemetery grounds a funeral of one of the community members on Saturday 18 May.
Key to his delivery was his strong reprimand to the local youth over the reports that he heard that they were busy pulling down opposition parties election campaign posters. Now serving his second term, he placed emphasis that “it matters not if you do not support a particular political party, if it is a new or old, that you agree or disagree with their mandate, the poster belongs to them and their affiliates, please leave it as it is where it is mounted until the day of voting. Let us work together during this elections period and stop fighting as we are a collective community under one nation. These things come and pass, and we’ll once again continue with life normally building and working together going forward.” He affirmed.
Delivery
Councillor Motlhamme proudly stated that as the EFF administration, they have done well in the ward, as evidenced by the paved boulevard streets resolving the challenges of unbearable roads when entering Freedom Park, and the significant building of the local clinic at phase 2 of which they are pushing that it operates as 24/7 healthcare centre. Furthermore, the council has seen that the erection of 16 Appolo lights comes to light. “We have reduced unemployment as the organisation, as many youths now boast being employed. I can attest that before I took over the reins, the Impala mining company did not even recognise us, a situation that has now turned around. We hire our community members from our wards and then take them up for induction to the mine offices. The the SLP programme is now up and running.” I asked the councillor if the EFF could claim the national rule, and he told me, “Looking back to the 2019 election results and the organisations track record and resilience, outdoing the previously formed newcomers in the political space, the outlook is positive, so watch this space!” Although there is strong visibility of other political posters, he finally boasted that look around our town is painted red with the EFF posters!
Pastor Andrew Mayathula and Bishop Tebogo Seleko from Living by Faith Christian centre believe that the elections in the area should be free and fair, that there be no intimidation of other people aligned to opposition parties. Pastor Andrew stressed that the campaigns and canvassing must carry on without any harassments. He agrees with the councillor’s mentioning tampering with posters but cemented the notion of “Batho pele” in our communities, and that the differences may be addressed at a later stage. “Of concern is that the area has been riddled with persisting reports of shootings mostly at night, limiting movement by residents. People are not as free to roam around and conduct their business because even in early mornings they get mugged. I’m of the view that people in the community should unite to resolve our challenges instead to pointing fingers. We might be different parties, but we should look at improving lives and strengthening our community. Nothing should prevent our beloved community to thrive, whoever wins the elections we shall support. As a church we believe in working with political parties and other stakeholders to ensure that we have a peaceful society.
Lilly Sehuma not her real name mentioned that, “the only thing about the politicians is making promises that they do not keep.” She runs an informal take-aways outlet. She tells that as entrepreneurs they run the risk of being robbed by criminal elements that are armed and dangerous. Looking at her set of keys that has a whistle as the keyring. I ask her if its blown when she gets attacked, she agrees. “Yes it’s a call for help to my neighbours alerting them of an imminent attack of any kind. I remember Notorious Big song, “More money more problems!”. Sitting on the benches downing their drinks, Lily’s friendly clients agreed that the issue is that mineworkers who earn their wages from different shifts at the mines, are targeted each weekend especially late at night. “The taverns that open throughout the night are also not helping as victims lose their items, cash and lives as they roam around. The CPF, Community Policing Forum are reportedly overwhelmed by these criminal activities. As seen in many arears across the country, the community’s limited co-operation with members of SAPS do not provide enough ground for some of arrests to reach effective prosecution of violent crime perpetrators. And those allegedly wrongfully arrested, sue the state.” They mentioned. Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
