EFF Youth Command Slams Municipality Over Court Order, Plans March

The EFF Youth Command (EFFYC) in the Enoch Mgijima Sub-Region has criticised the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, accusing the municipality of using the courts instead of engaging with residents over ongoing service delivery complaints.

In a statement issued this week, the youth structure said it “condemns in the strongest terms” what it described as the continued use of legal action to suppress public frustration about municipal governance and service delivery issues.

Dispute linked to court order

The statement follows a recent court order involving the municipality.

According to the EFF Youth Command, the legal action forms part of a broader pattern in which the municipality allegedly responds to protests and community grievances through court processes rather than dialogue with residents.

The youth organisation said communities have repeatedly raised concerns about issues such as water quality, electricity costs, road conditions and infrastructure problems within the municipality.

Reference to earlier protest

The organisation also referred to a march to the municipal offices on 3 June 2025, which it said was organised by the EFF Youth Command.

According to the group, the protest was peaceful and included demands related to youth unemployment, education, skills development and service delivery.

The statement claims that the municipality did not provide a meaningful response to those demands.

Call for mobilisation

In its statement, the EFF Youth Command called on young people in Komani and across the Enoch Mgijima municipal area to mobilise around service delivery concerns.

The group also called for the removal of Executive Mayor Madoda Papiyana, saying leadership changes are necessary to address the challenges facing residents.

The organisation indicated that it plans to organise a peaceful march to the municipality, with further details about the date and route expected to be announced in the coming days.

According to the statement, the march will comply with legal requirements and constitutional protections allowing citizens to assemble, demonstrate and petition peacefully.

Municipality response

Komani News requested comment from Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa regarding the allegations and the court matter.

Kowa said the municipality is still consulting its legal representatives before issuing a full response.

“Please note that the Municipality is still to meet with its lawyers for a full briefing on the matter. Only after that briefing will we be able to communicate our position,” Kowa said.

The municipality’s position is therefore expected to become clearer once the legal consultation process has taken place.

Public interest and service delivery concerns

The issue highlights ongoing public debate in Komani about service delivery, governance and the relationship between community organisations and municipal authorities.

Community protests around infrastructure, utilities and municipal services have occurred periodically in the region, reflecting broader frustrations experienced in many municipalities across South Africa.

Komani News will continue to follow developments and publish updates once the municipality provides further clarity on the matter.

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