Johannesburg - Julius Malema was once again missing from Bekkersdal at the weekend, to the disillusionment of some residents.
Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) held a rally there on Sunday to launch the party in the area, but although residents and leaders believed he would be in attendance, he did not arrive. The rally was attended by about 250 people, many of whom had travelled from elsewhere in Gauteng to be at the gathering.
EFF spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlozi told the crowd that Malema was in party meetings and they apologised for the confusion over his attendance.
“Julius will never change anything here,” said resident Tshidiso Ngqwebo.
Over the past few months, the area has been plagued by violent service delivery protests. Community members had threatened to bar the Independent Electoral Commission from the area, and during the first voter registration weekend there were problems at a number of stations in the area.
Sipho Mabaso, a leader of the Concerned Residents’ Association, said they were allowing political parties into the area, but not so they could canvass for votes. “They can only come here to pledge solidarity with our complaints,” he said.
Residents said they felt little had improved since the protests last month and were still waiting for change.
The Star