I was present at the IDP meeting at the City Hall.
Two things were immediately clear – many people there were seriously seeking information about the process and its impact on their neighbourhood, and there were many ANC and EFF supporters whose primary aim was to be as disruptive as possible. Given the type of questions they were shouting, one could not even be certain they were local residents.
Many issues were raised before the meeting was abandoned. Housing and lack of essential services is a pressing issue, with most people not realising that funding for housing is mostly a national government initiative, and that much of what the city does is largely by reducing other services.
There was great unhappiness about Ward 127 not appearing in the IDP. Several people queried various aspects, and expressed their unhappiness. The councillor in question was not present to state whether or not he had submitted projects.
The riotous behaviour of the ANC/ EFF contingents was arrogant, rude and intentionally disruptive. They showed no respect for any authority and were deliberately combative. This happens at every municipal community meeting.
