Residents Slam CHDM Over Delayed Petition Meeting

A group of concerned residents in the Chris Hani District has publicly expressed frustration over what they describe as poor handling of a community petition and engagement with the Chris Hani District Municipality.

In a media release issued on 8 May 2026, the residents said they attended a scheduled engagement in good faith, expecting accountability and clear commitments on service delivery issues. Instead, they reported delays, poor communication, and what they called a lack of respect for community delegates.

According to the release, the meeting was set to start at 14h00 but only began around 16h00 with no adequate explanation given to attendees. Many had travelled long distances to participate. While an apology was later offered, residents said it did not address the inconvenience caused.

The group also raised concerns that politicians dominated discussions on technical issues that should have been addressed by municipal officials. Key grievances included persistent water cuts, raw sewage contamination in rivers, exploitation of outsourced security guards, maladministration, and allegations of nepotism.

Residents further stated that the engagement failed to provide clear implementation plans or measurable timeframes. They said communities were given vague references to “ongoing work” without specific deadlines or accountability measures.

“We reject any attempts to undermine, intimidate, frustrate, or silence communities demanding accountability,” the group stated. “Public representatives and officials must understand that leadership is a responsibility entrusted by the people — not ownership over the people.”

The residents called on communities, workers, and youth across the district to stand united against abuse of power and to demand transparency and respect from public officials.

Chris Hani District Municipality spokesperson Dr Sandiso Tyembile said there were too many municipal official activities on that day and the municipality apologised for starting the meeting late.

“All the issues raised in the petition by concerned residents were responded to and the opportunity for engagement was granted thoroughly,” he said.