RESIDENTS slam Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB).
Residents of Greater Harrismith and Kestell in Free State slammed MDB for rejecting their proposal to be removed from the cash-strapped Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality.
But the motive behind the rejection is unclear.
Sabelo Sigudu, spokesman for Greater Harrismith and Kestell, said they adhered to the board's outlined requirements and procedures and are therefore frustrated.
"The Municipal Demarcation Board's decision appears to be driven by political motives rather than a genuine scientific process, aiming to deprive Greater Harrismith and Kestel of essential municipal services and development.
"At this juncture, unity among the people of these two towns is of utmost importance. The Municipal Demarcation Board has proven to be another state entity entangled in functional politics, serving petty interests rather than addressing pressing issues raised during public participation processes," said Sigudu.
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Sigudu told Daily Sun MDB's decision is biased.
"Given the MDB's disappointing inability to make decisions that reflect the people's will, residents must rise up and initiate a complete boycott of municipal payments to the dysfunctional Maluti-A-Phofung.
"A total boycott of the upcoming elections must be staged until our demands are met. President Cyril Ramaphosa should dissolve the MDB immediately. We intend to challenge MDB's decision in the high court," he said.
Acting Municipal Demarcation Board chairman Dr Matheakuena Mohale said they've received 215 cases of proposed municipal boundary redetermination and resolved that boundaries affecting 70 cases should be redetermined.
"On Wednesday, 30 July, the board met and considered on 13 deferred cases, having evaluated the findings of the research report, public hearings, investigations and other relevant reports," he said.
