Earlier today, Oudtshoorn residents aired their grievances over municipal rates in a peaceful – and creative – way. More than 800 filled refuse bags were brought to the CP Nel Museum by members of the community.
Also read: Swellendam Municipality expects more protests this week
Arno Greyling, the organiser of the protest, says someone had to do something as municipal rates have gone through the roof.
‘I was doing my grocery shopping when I overheard two elderly ladies discussing the high cost of living. They mentioned how they couldn’t save any more money, and that one of the ladies had to put some of her groceries back as she couldn’t afford it. That’s when I realized that we were being taken advantage of. Someone had to do something because we have our backs against the wall.’
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‘I started WhatsApp groups, which now stand at about 2 800 members. I have also started to mobilise a group of people from the community with skills in media, law, accounting, marketing and strategy to help address these issues.’
‘People have lost their trust in public participation processes. No one wants to listen to someone clad in bling say why all the money is necessary, but nothing comes of it. We need someone who can protect the interest of the community in every town.
‘There is no development or maintenance in Oudtshoorn. According to our research, rates and taxes in Oudtshoorn are three times higher than in surrounding towns, such as Mosselbay.
‘Our hope is that we can inspire surrounding towns to walk with us and take charge, to ensure that the system is fair and reasonable. Otherwise, we won’t have anything in the future – no jobs, no sustainable future.’
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Picture: Arno Greyling