EFF Youth Command Calls for Mayor Papiyana to Step Down in Enoch Mgijima

EFF Youth Command Calls for Mayor Madoda Papiyana to Step Down

Komani, Eastern Cape – The Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command (EFFYC) in the Enoch Mgijima Sub Region has publicly called for the removal of Executive Mayor Madoda Papiyana, accusing him of arrogance, neglect and a failure to respond to the needs of residents in the municipality.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the EFFYC said it was angered by what it described as the mayor’s conduct during a recent peaceful protest by residents, including elderly people, over blocked electricity meters and long-standing housing list concerns.

According to the youth structure, residents were protesting against electricity disconnections and delays in housing allocations when the mayor allegedly directed affected individuals to the municipality’s finance department instead of addressing the matter as a broader municipal challenge.

The EFFYC claims this response showed a lack of empathy towards vulnerable residents.

The organisation further stated that while non-payment contributes to municipal arrears, the municipality has mechanisms available to assist struggling households.

These include indigent support, relief measures and other interventions allowed under national policy.

The EFFYC argues that punitive electricity blockages affecting poor and elderly residents should not be the primary response to financial challenges.

Reference to unresolved youth demands

The EFFYC also linked the latest incident to what it described as a pattern of neglect by the municipal leadership.

The organisation referred to a march held on 3 June 2025, led by the EFFYC alongside community members, where demands were submitted calling for action on youth unemployment, access to education, and skills development opportunities.

According to the statement, these demands were formally handed over to the municipality, but the EFFYC claims there has been no response, engagement or feedback from municipal leadership since then.

“The silence from the municipality demonstrates a disregard for the voices of young people and unemployed residents,” the statement said.

Call for accountability

In its statement, the EFFYC said it no longer has confidence in Mayor Papiyana’s leadership and has intensified its call for his removal.

The organisation has urged residents, community forums, religious leaders, traditional leaders and civil society organisations to unite behind the call.

It has also appealed to ANC regional and provincial leadership to hold the mayor accountable, as well as to political and social organisations across the Chris Hani District to support its campaign.

The EFFYC said it would continue mobilising youth and communities until what it described as meaningful accountability and improved leadership is achieved in the municipality.

The statement was issued by the EFF Youth Command – Enoch Mgijima Sub Region.