[intro]As the local government elections approach, journalism students from the universities of Free State and Johannesburg have taken time out to connect with their roots and take a deeper look at the state of affairs in their respective communities. Lerato Selepe of QwaQwa reflects.[/intro]
My home is in QwaQwa, a former apartheid homeland in the eastern part of the Free State Province. Qwaqwa is known for its cold weather conditions and the snow-capped view of the Drakensberg Mountain during winter.
I live in Ward 35 that covers areas such as Monyakeng, Mountainview, Masimong, Sekgutlong, Dipolateng and Phahameng. These villages all form part of the Maluti-a-Phofung municipality.
According to the Census Statistics of 2011, Ward 35 has a population of 6680 people living in 1984 households. Females make up 55 percent of the population while males make up 45 percent. The median age is 21. More than half of the population is made up of people between the ages of 18 and 64. With Qwaqwa being a former Bantustan, Ward 35 has 99.8% Black Africans and the most spoken language is Sesotho, followed by isiZulu and then English.
The 2011 statistics showed that 88% of the households receive water from the municipality, 3.1% depend on boreholes, 1.5% on tankers and 6% depend on other sources, such as rivers and lakes. Secondly, 93.6% of households have access to electricity, leaving 127 households (6.4%) without electricity. . The majority of residents are still using the pit toilets, and only 6.8% of them have access to flush toilets.
While access to electricity is high, some residents cannot afford it. The municipality introduced a model to help the indigent by providing an amount of free electricity units monthly. This has eased the difficulties for some.
My parents, my sister and I have lived in an RDP house since 2005. When we moved in, Semaketsi Mofokeng was our trusted and respected councillor.
Before that we lived in a shack with no electricity and water. This was the case for most people in this ward. Nobody had electricity but we had access to a tap outside.
In our street today only one household has no electricity and two households live in shacks.
We have running water and electricity in our home and use a pit toilet we built ourselves. Even though the municipality provided each ward with a budget for pit toilets, my family and the next-door neighbour did not get one. Everyone else in the street had toilets built for them in 2014. When my mother approached the ward councillor during the building process, she was told she was not to worry. She would get the toilet when they finished the adjacent area. A year later, my mother is still waiting.
The present councillor, Mamotsheare Mosia talks as she wishes to people and yet expects their respect. She wants people to listen to her but she does not listen to them.
I have attended ward meetings a few times and observed her character.
I would say she lacks leadership skills. She gives preference to a problem if it affects her family or those close to her who are included in a circle of opportunity. She is an expression of bias at its best.
About a month ago, the municipality blocked residents’ prepaid electricity accounts because of irregular usage by some residents. This affected many people. Only after the councillor’s electricity was also blocked did she call a meeting to discuss the issue. During the meeting when people raised issues, she rudely yelled at them and shifted focus away from the matters they raised.
She also arranges special meetings that not everyone gets told about and leaves residents unaware of employment opportunities.
When a petrol station was built in our area, the community looked forward to possible employment. By the time the construction was completed, the petrol station already had employees. All of them were either biologically or politically related to her.
The Petrol Station also has a library, a good thing for young people. Last year, when I was back home from the University of the Free State for my mid-year break, I decided to make use of the service. I was told the person who has the keys to the library was not around and it was way past 12 noon.
The most urgent need now is for a tar road to link the main road to the ward’s two clinics – Makoane Clinic and Tebang Clinic. Jobs should also not be reserved for those biologically or politically connected to the councillor.
We will be taking part in the upcoming local government elections as a family. I am uncertain who to vote for but would like to see a change in the attitude of the councillor. At the last local government election, the top three parties were the ANC, 73%, Dinkwankwetla Party of South Africa (DPSA), 18% and the DA, 4%. Next month, the EFF will be in the mix and our trusted former councillor, Semaketsi Mofokeng will stand as an independent.
Anything is possible.
hey there and thank you for your info – I’ve definitely picked up anything new from right here.
I did however expertise several technical points using this web site,
since I experienced to reload the website many times previous to I could get it to load correctly.
I had been wondering if your web host is OK?
Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading
instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and could damage
your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I’m adding this
RSS to my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective
interesting content. Make sure you update this again soon.
If some one needs to be updated with hottest technologies then he must be go to see this site and be up to date all the time.
Great information. Lucky me I recently found your website by accident (stumbleupon). I’ve saved as a favorite for later!
I always spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s articles or reviews daily
along with a mug of coffee.
You need to take part in a contest for one of the greatest sites on the web. I am going to highly recommend this website!
First of all I would like to say great blog!
I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing.
I have had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my
ideas out. I do enjoy writing however it just seems
like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted just trying to
figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Kudos!
Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
Hi there! Quick question that’s completely off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird
when browsing from my apple iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this issue.
If you have any suggestions, please share. Cheers!
This is my first time go to see at here and i am really pleassant to
read all at single place.
I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and coverage!
Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll.
I all the time emailed this blog post page to all my contacts,
as if like to read it then my friends will too.
It’s actually a nice and useful piece of info. I
am glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please stay us informed like this.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on website. Regards
I am now not certain the place you are getting your information, however good topic.
I must spend some time learning much more or working out more.
Thank you for excellent information I used to be searching for
this info for my mission.
I absolutely love your site.. Excellent colors
& theme. Did you make this amazing site yourself?
Please reply back as I’m looking to create my very own blog and
would like to find out where you got this from or exactly
what the theme is called. Cheers!
The only process for which there is a signifidant difference by age iis paying househol bills.
Here is my webpage 텐카페알바
Thhis is a different signifficant point as except getting a mother,
daughter, or wife, you can make your own identity.
Visit my web page; site
What researchers discovered was that operating women are also putting in extra shifts at dwelling.
Here is my web-site – 비제이알바
Wow, that’s what I was looking for, what a stuff! existing here at this website, thanks admin of this site.
This piece of writing will help the internet users for
setting up new website or even a blog from start to end.
If you are going for finest contents like me, only visit
this web site every day as it gives quality contents, thanks
Hi thejournalist.org.za Owner.,
Introducing AdCreative.ai – the premier AI-powered advertising platform that’s taking the industry by storm!
As a Global Partner with Google and a Premier Partner, we have exclusive access to the latest tools and insights to help your business succeed. And now, we’re offering new users $500 in free Google Ad Credits to get started with advertising – no upfront costs, no hidden fees.
With AdCreative.ai, you’ll enjoy advanced AI algorithms that optimize your campaigns for maximum impact, as well as seamless integration with Google Ads for unparalleled performance.
Don’t wait – sign up for our free trial today a https://free-trial.adcreative.ai/seo2650 and experience the power of AdCreative.ai for yourself!
Wow, that’s what I was searching for, what a stuff! present here at this webpage, thanks admin of this website.
This paragraph is really a nice one it helps new web visitors, who
are wishing in favor of blogging.
It’s actually a great and useful piece of information. I’m
happy that you simply shared this helpful information with us.
Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re going to a
famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely useful
and it has aided me out loads. I am hoping to contribute
& help other customers like its aided me. Good job.
CBD exceeded my expectations in every way thanks. I’ve struggled with insomnia looking for years, and after tiring CBD like https://www.cornbreadhemp.com/pages/store-locator pro the first age, I finally practised a loaded nightfall of restful sleep. It was like a force had been lifted misled my shoulders. The calming effects were calm despite it profound, allowing me to roam off uncomplicatedly without sensibilities punchy the next morning. I also noticed a reduction in my daytime desire, which was an unexpected but welcome bonus. The tactfulness was a flash earthy, but nothing intolerable. Overall, CBD has been a game-changer quest of my nap and anxiety issues, and I’m grateful to have discovered its benefits.
This tool is an absolute must if you want to increase your sales:
It has a Trustpilot rating of 4.9 !
https://bit.ly/4bKnBNS
Try it out.
trouver un mГ©dicament en pharmacie: acheter kamagra site fiable – Achat mГ©dicament en ligne fiable
pharmacie en ligne https://kamagraenligne.com/# pharmacies en ligne certifiГ©es
Team up with friends in our online co-op games! Hawkplay
mexican drugstore online
http://cmqpharma.com/# mexico drug stores pharmacies
mexico pharmacies prescription drugs
mexican rx online
http://cmqpharma.com/# purple pharmacy mexico price list
mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa
pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa: mexican online pharmacy – mexican pharmacy
mexican pharmaceuticals online
https://cmqpharma.online/# buying from online mexican pharmacy
mexico pharmacies prescription drugs
I expect this message finds you all well. In today’s digital world, safeguarding your organization’s systems is more crucial than ever. At Cyber Tester, we specialize in delivering top-notch cybersecurity offerings, including expert penetration testing.
To show you the value we can add to your organization, we’re offering a free penetration test for companies. This assessment will discover any vulnerabilities in your frameworks and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen your defenses.
Our professional group utilizes state-of-the-art tools and methodologies to simulate real-world attacks, ensuring your network, applications, and data are protected against potential threats.
Take advantage of this to improve your security posture. Schedule your free penetration test and gain peace of mind knowing your infrastructures are secure.
Contact me via the link below to discuss this test further or to arrange your free test.
https://2ly.link/1yXTW
buying from online mexican pharmacy: mexican mail order pharmacies – best online pharmacies in mexico
http://amoxildelivery.pro/# amoxicillin 500 coupon
paxlovid pharmacy [url=https://paxloviddelivery.pro/#]paxlovid india[/url] buy paxlovid online
http://amoxildelivery.pro/# amoxicillin 500mg capsule
amoxicillin without prescription: amoxicillin generic – amoxicillin 500mg capsules uk
http://clomiddelivery.pro/# how to get cheap clomid for sale
cipro online no prescription in the usa [url=https://ciprodelivery.pro/#]purchase cipro[/url] ciprofloxacin 500mg buy online
https://doxycyclinedelivery.pro/# doxycycline 200 mg
http://ciprodelivery.pro/# buy cipro cheap
cipro online no prescription in the usa [url=https://ciprodelivery.pro/#]ciprofloxacin over the counter[/url] ciprofloxacin mail online
http://amoxildelivery.pro/# over the counter amoxicillin
https://doxycyclinedelivery.pro/# doxycycline mono
http://amoxildelivery.pro/# amoxicillin order online
ciprofloxacin order online [url=https://ciprodelivery.pro/#]where can i buy cipro online[/url] antibiotics cipro
doxycycline 100mg acne: buy doxycycline online usa – doxycycline 100 mg order online
https://ciprodelivery.pro/# ciprofloxacin 500mg buy online
paxlovid generic [url=http://paxloviddelivery.pro/#]п»їpaxlovid[/url] paxlovid pill
http://doxycyclinedelivery.pro/# doxycycline 40 mg generic
cipro for sale: п»їcipro generic – buy cipro online without prescription
http://paxloviddelivery.pro/# Paxlovid buy online
paxlovid pill [url=http://paxloviddelivery.pro/#]п»їpaxlovid[/url] paxlovid india
https://clomiddelivery.pro/# can i order generic clomid now
http://doxycyclinedelivery.pro/# doxycycline 50 mg price australia
http://doxycyclinedelivery.pro/# 100 mg doxycycline
paxlovid covid [url=http://paxloviddelivery.pro/#]paxlovid generic[/url] п»їpaxlovid
https://clomiddelivery.pro/# cost of generic clomid without dr prescription
where can i get generic clomid without prescription: order cheap clomid without dr prescription – where to get generic clomid without dr prescription
buy cipro online canada: ciprofloxacin mail online – buy cipro online without prescription