Residents of Botshabelo have vowed to disrupt an ongoing sanitation construction project, accusing local officials of nepotism in the hiring of workers.
The community alleges that close friends and political affiliates of ward councillors were unfairly given jobs, bypassing qualified locals. Protests erupted on Friday, with demonstrators threatening to continue their action on Monday if their demands are not addressed.
Claims of Nepotism
Community leader Tokelo Afrika stated that the recruitment process violated the Batho Pele (People First) principle, which emphasizes fair and transparent governance.
“We don’t want this nepotism thing. Don’t call your friends and then put them in seats just because they support the councillor,” Afrika said. “We need transparency so that all of us can benefit. People are hungry.”
Residents claim that while 10 workers were officially selected through a public raffle (“fudwa fudwa”), none have actually been deployed. Instead, temporary workers with alleged political connections have been hired.
Councillor Denies Allegations
The ward councillor, however, dismissed the accusations, insisting that the selection process was fair. He claimed that the 10 raffle-selected workers would begin work on Monday and suggested that the protests were politically motivated.
“There is a political interest here,” the councillor said, implying that supporters of the newly formed MK Party were behind the unrest.
Project Under Scrutiny
The sanitation project, which aims to install 200 toilets, has also faced criticism over its location. Some residents question why a new informal settlement was prioritized over older communities that have waited years for basic services.
Despite tensions, the municipality has stated that the project will proceed. However, protesters demand greater accountability in hiring practices to ensure equitable job distribution.
As the standoff continues, both sides remain at odds, with residents warning of further disruptions if their grievances are ignored.
