Masilonyana residents handed a memorandum to the municipal offices on Friday 29 April 2021 after days of protests, according to the community spokesperson, Tshepo Maredi, after they felt that the municipality has been neglecting service delivery.

According to Maredi, the Masilonyana Municipality on Monday asked for a period of fifteen days to consult with the ruling ANC party, before they respond to the memorandum that was handed to them. The community only agreed to give them 24 hours to respond to the memorandum. Tshepo says they, therefore, expect municipal feedback by the end of business on Wednesday. They will then communicate the outcome with the community of Theunissen on Thursday 6 May 2021, after which they will decide on the way forward.

The protests, which included a total shutdown, lasted three days last week before it was put on hold by engagements. Among other things mentioned in the memorandum, is urgent funding aimed at assisting all community members who were arrested during the protest to secure bail for those who were incarcerated.

OFM News last week reported that annoyed community members barricaded the ZR Mahabane Road with burning tyres as protest action erupted at Theunissen, which is located about 35km from Winburg. Both towns fall under the financially strained Masilonyana Local Municipality.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi