Cover Photo: Supplied - Ariel view of KwaMabuza Ward 5
Msukaligwa Local Municipality has issued a formal written response to a memorandum submitted by the MK Party Subregion Msukaligwa regarding service delivery failures and relocation concerns in Ward 5 KwaMabuza, linked to the Ermelo Ring Road Project. The memorandum, handed to the Executive Mayor on 5 December 2025, described the situation in the area as a humanitarian crisis and warned of possible peaceful mass action if urgent concerns were not addressed.
Photo: Front page memorandum by MK party handed to the Mayor of MLM
In its memorandum, the MK Party raised concerns over the relocation of families into what it described as asbestos-based temporary structures, the alleged offer of a R600 grocery voucher as compensation, and the long-standing lack of basic services including clean water, electricity, sanitation, roads, a clinic, a school and recreational facilities. The party also demanded proof of public consultation, a full ring road project budget, a list of affected households, a livestock accommodation plan, support for food-producing families, a clear relocation timeline, and a halt to relocations until a fair and transparent process is established.
Photo: Supplied - View of temporary housing units residents have been re-located to
In response, the municipality said the relocation forms part of a formalisation programme for the Mabuzza Informal Settlement, now known as Ermelo Extension 50, guided by Section 26 of the Constitution and the Housing Act. It said the Temporary Residential Units are made from precast slabs, are non-asbestos, and SABS approved. The municipality also said consultations were held on several dates, six community members have been employed on the project, and that families will remain in temporary structures until essential services are installed before permanent housing is built.
Image: Screen Shot of the front page of response by MLM to MK Party demands
However, several of the MK Party’s demands were either disputed or not directly answered. The municipality said it was not aware of any R600 voucher being offered and requested clarification. It declined to release attendance registers and a list of affected households, citing the Protection of Personal Information Act. It also referred requests for the ring road budget to SANRAL and maintained that the road does not pass through the settlement.
Photo: Supplied - Alternate view of temporary housing units residents have been re-located t
What remains unclear is whether any form of compensation is being offered to affected families, why the community has gone so long without basic services, whether a full feasibility and socio-economic impact study has been completed, and what the exact relocation timeline will be. The MK Party has maintained that it will continue to pursue accountability on behalf of Ward 5 residents.