Emalahleni Informal Settlements Cluster (“MASCOM”) welcomes the invitation from the municipality for public comments following the notice given in terms of the requirements of section 34 and section 21(a)(b) of the Municipal Systems Act of 2000.

MASCOM is making its representations in terms of the following legislative provisions:

• Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, section 152(a) and (e).
• Local Government Municipal System Act of 2000, Chapter 4, section 16(1)(a)(i) and (iv).
• Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act of 2003, Chapter 4, sections 22(a)(ii) and 23(1)(a).

MASCOM is a coalition of informal settlement communities located in the Emalahleni Local Municipality (ELM). They include Magagula, Lindokuhle, Somgodla, 5-Shaft, Mkataneni, Jooma, Benicon, Masakhane, Commando Park, Kwezela Farm, Elpaso, Spring Valley, Mgewana and Empumelelweni. The communities are situated in wards, 18, 19, 21 and 32. MASCOM’s objective is to realise improved and meaningful community participation in decision-making and project implementation processes at municipal level, to enhance the delivery of basic services and development in these communities.

The communities concerned do not fully enjoy the constitutionally guaranteed rights, in particular socio-economic rights, such as access to water, sanitation, safe and reliable energy and housing, amongst others. The representations will focus mainly on the basic services mentioned above. The representations will be based on the contents of the ELM 2025/2026 Draft Budget. MASCOM notes with concern that 14 of the 34 wards in the municipality were not mentioned in the draft budget document. They include wards 2, 3, 5, 6, 15, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 21 and 32.

DOWNLOAD THE Emalahleni Informal Settlements Cluster SUBMISSION HERE