The chairperson of the forum, Potso Motoko, says although the engagement between the two parties was satisfactory, there are still certain aspects of their demands that need to be attended to. He has raised their concerns with the process and speed with which the envisaged metro police structures are being implemented. Motoko says they are going to be relentless and will not compromise on the issues of service delivery to the residents across at least four towns in the metro.

“We don’t want any bucket systems or VIP toilets in our communities. However, with other things we know we can go piece by piece, but we're going to have a programme that will assist us to get there. And if that is not the case, we are not going to work with stubborn leaders and those who did not want to respect and listen to our people. That is where will have a problem. As far as I know, according to this meeting, we have a progressive plan,” said Motoko.

The forum had a meeting with the metro on Thursday to receive a response on their demands issued seven days ago, during a protest march which saw residents as far as Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, Soutpan and Bloemfontein gather outside the Metro premises.

OFM News previously reported that disgruntled residents from towns as far as Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo, and Soutpan marched to the offices of various government entities on 24 August 2021 to complain about fraud, high electricity tariffs, service delivery, a lack of job opportunities and more.

OFM/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi