Residents of Grogro informal settlement in Nelson Mandela Bay remain without electricity a month after protests over cut illegal connections. Deputy mayor Gary van Niekerk has backtracked on promises of R7-million for temporary infrastructure, calling media reports inaccurate. Community leaders express growing frustration amid legal hurdles on private land.
Protests erupted in Grogro on October 15, 2024, along Kragga Kamma Road in Gqeberha, after Nelson Mandela Bay officials disconnected hazardous illegal electricity supplies to the informal settlement of about 1,000 residents. To calm the unrest, a delegation led by deputy mayor Gary van Niekerk promised R7-million for temporary electrical infrastructure, including a transformer, while negotiating land purchase with the owner.
However, over four weeks later, no progress has been made. Community leader Zukile Futa highlighted unfulfilled commitments from meetings on October 20 and 24, where officials assured daily communication and a transformer within seven days. 'It has been more than three weeks since our leadership met with City officials, including Van Niekerk... None of these promises was kept,' Futa said. A further meeting is scheduled for Thursday, but residents' patience is thinning.
The Electricity and Energy Directorate distanced itself from the pledges during a recent committee meeting, stating that installing a transformer on private land would violate the law. ACDP councillor Lance Grootboom criticized the situation: 'It is deeply disappointing to see the deputy mayor making promises... where no budget even exists, and law prohibits this type of installation.' He noted Grogro's absence from electrification plans for areas like Bayland and Motherwell.
Van Niekerk refuted the promises last week, responding to inquiries: 'Where do you come by this notion that I promised the community of Grogro a transformer? … Your report is inaccurate.' Ward councillor Margaret de Andrade's October 20 communication and meeting minutes contradict this, confirming the transformer commitment.
Landowner Dr Albert van Rooyen awaits municipal feedback on reports needed for negotiations. 'I want this community to have a better life... but the right processes need to be followed,' he said, declining to disclose the offered amount.
Grootboom warned that such unkept promises fuel further protests, emphasizing the need for transparency as land acquisition could take years.