eMalahleni, also known as Witbank, in Mpumalanga, is experiencing significant community unrest this July. Residents express deep frustration regarding alleged unfair hiring practices by local businesses and the municipality's failure to provide consistent water and electricity services. This anger has escalated into protests, demands for equitable job opportunities, and safety concerns for foreign business owners. The eMalahleni Local Municipality faces serious accusations of corruption and poor management, particularly with an unfunded budget of R10.1 billion and over R12 billion owed to Eskom. The community is calling for businesses to demonstrate commitment to the local economy and for the local government to be held accountable.
Witbank Community Issues: Why Are Locals Not Getting Jobs?
Many Witbank residents are concerned about unemployment, alleging that companies, particularly those around the N4 Business Park, prioritise external hires over local job seekers. This perception fuels demands for businesses to contribute transparently to the local economy. Coal trucks on Stevenson Street symbolise the region's economic potential, yet many locals feel excluded from its benefits. Protests have occurred in response to these alleged unfair hiring practices.
Despite these concerns, the eMalahleni Local Municipality announced that new factories are projected to create approximately 2,500 direct jobs and 4,000 indirect jobs within the next three to five years. However, community members, including Mr. Sipho Dlamini from the Witbank Residents' Association, argue that the municipality's 2026/2027 plan recycles old ideas rather than offering new solutions. Mr. Dlamini highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, such as roads and pipes, to support these new developments, suggesting a disconnect between planning and on-the-ground realities.
The Struggle for Local Opportunities in Mpumalanga
The heart of Witbank, a town known for its working-class spirit, is where job insecurity is most acutely felt. Mpumalanga is South Africa's primary coal-producing province, accounting for approximately 83% of the nation's coal output. Witbank is central to this industry, surrounded by over 22 coal mines. The provincial economy heavily relies on coal mining, providing employment for about 5% of the workforce. Despite this, many locals feel marginalised from the opportunities generated by coal production. Ensuring that these jobs benefit local residents first, alongside supporting local businesses and skills training, is considered crucial for the community's prosperity.
Witbank Community Issues: The Service Delivery Crisis
Concurrently, the municipality's inconsistent provision of basic services exacerbates public anger. The municipality operates with an unfunded budget of R10.1 billion and has accumulated over R12 billion in debt to Eskom. Widespread dissatisfaction exists regarding the management of water and electricity, a problem not unique to Witbank but prevalent across Mpumalanga. Witbank's roads, water pipes, and power lines are ageing and struggling to meet growing demand, with illegal connections further straining the system. Insufficient investment in infrastructure maintenance is also a contributing factor.
The municipality reportedly loses about half of its water and 35% of its electricity before it reaches consumers, primarily due to dilapidated infrastructure and illegal connections. Furthermore, the municipality overspent by R1.80 billion, partly due to inadequate planning for equipment failures. Municipalities in Mpumalanga allocate significantly less than the recommended 8% of their budgets to repairs, spending only about 3.4%. Recent proposals by the municipality to increase water prices by 21% and electricity by 10%, alongside increased spending on new vehicles for politicians, have intensified public outrage, especially given the poor state of services. The pressure on Eskom power stations in Mpumalanga contributes to frequent power outages. Recent updates also mention heavy rains and flooding in Mbombela and other parts of Mpumalanga, which have damaged roads and homes, worsening existing infrastructure challenges.
African Development Bank Steps In to Address Witbank Community Issues
A positive development is the approval of a $400 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for Mpumalanga. This funding is designated for a programme aimed at improving the reliability, financial stability, and efficiency of electricity and water services in select municipalities, including eMalahleni. Scheduled to run between 2026 and 2031, the AfDB loan is expected to help reduce water and electricity losses, enhance revenue collection, repair critical infrastructure, and strengthen municipal management of these essential services. This initiative could offer a vital solution for Witbank, addressing some of its long-standing infrastructure problems.
Safety Concerns for Foreign Business Owners in eMalahleni
Beyond jobs and services, safety is a significant concern in eMalahleni. Foreign business owners have reported threats and intimidation, with some requesting police protection following alleged looting incidents and forced shop closures. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reportedly increased its presence in affected areas. While the local economy, driven by mining, energy, construction, and manufacturing, is important, high unemployment persists. Collaborative efforts are needed to ensure safety and opportunities for all community members, fostering a stronger Witbank.
-- Originally published on PR Daddy (https://prdaddy.com).
