These residents feel that they have exhausted all other avenues in getting the municipality to respond to their service delivery issues. When the municipality had not responded to their queries by a set date, they took to the streets in a legal protest march. "Knysna motorists were cross that we marched and that we delayed the traffic, but I want them to know that it is not our fault, but the fault of the municipality.
If they had answered us when we asked them to, we would not have marched, and then the cars would not have been delayed," said a march participant.
What struck many an onlooker was the lack of political banners or t-shirts during this march. "This is not a political issue, but an issue of the residents of Hlalani wanting basic services," explained a community leader.
On addressing the residents after receiving the petition, Knysna Deputy Mayor Donald Kemoeti said: "Comrades, I have stood in the dark outside during community meetings, I know what you have gone through". The petition stated that the residents demanded the following services:-
* Creation of plots and erfs for the remaining 6 residents who were left to live on a dump site.
* The clearing away of shacks that were demolished to make way for electricity cables.
* The construction of streets.
* Extra taps to bring water closer to the residents (there are four water points which serve approximately 400 homes).
* The building of retaining walls.
* Street lights.
* Toilets.
* Changing the dumping area into a playground for the Hlalani children.
* Addressing the poor electricity supply.
* The provision of a community hall.
The residents gave the municipality 14 days to respond to the petition.
Kemoetie expressed his understanding of their frustration and commended them for fighting for what they perceived as their right.
On reply to a query pertaining to the petition received, Kemoeti stated: "I received the document and, as is procedure, will respond within 14 days".
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A Hlalani community leader addressed the residents once they arrived at the Knysna Municipal offices, while the police look on.
