Tlokoeng residents in EC form own political party to contest LGE
The community of Tlokoeng, formerly known as Mount Fletcher, in the Eastern Cape is gearing up to contest the upcoming local government elections (LGE). The residents have formed their own community-centered political party to represent their own interests.
They say a lack of service delivery and widespread government neglect have driven them to form the party. According to organisers, the Mount Fletcher Community Voice (MFCV) will focus on delivering potable water, upgrading road infrastructure and providing decent housing for indigent households.
Residents say for years their plea for basic service delivery has fallen on deaf ears. They claim they have watched the small town’s infrastructure crumble under the ruling party. Now, locals believe the upcoming LGE will finally restore dignity and confidence to the community.
Chairperson of the Mt Fletcher Community Voice, Henry Mgijima says they are tired of voting for people who don’t have the community’s best interest at heart.
“We keep on voting for them, but we get nothing. They don’t come to us; they just ignore us. They are arrogant as the council officials. So, that’s why we have decided as the people that this time our votes must just belong to this area of Mount Fletcher. That’s why we’ve got this organisation. This organisation doesn’t contest presidential or premier or provincial, it’s just specific for this area of Mount Fletcher because we are the people that are in trouble regarding service delivery,” says Mgijima.
“We do not have water. There is absolutely nothing. That is why we have decided to form this political party. We want to challenge the municipality officials as to why people do not have access to basic services. It is because of the municipality because every time we demand services, they always tell us that they do not have a budget,” says Mbuyeye.
Some residents say they are united in removing corrupt politicians through the power of the ballot box.
“We are united for one mission; a mission that seeks to fight for our town against politicians that continue to undermine us as the indigenous residents. Our town is not significant according to these politicians that come and go without servicing us. We are standing on a site where a shopping mall was supposed to be built, but up to date, there is absolutely no progress,” says a resident.
“People of Mount Fletcher struggle because they have to travel to MaClear, they have to travel to Aliwal North, they have to travel to Elliot, of which this is structure or this is the project that was supposed to have these institutions in this structure. So, we’re not happy at all just because we can see the abandoned structure,” says another resident.
The community says most rural villages are not accessible, and there’s no access to clean water, while most villages have no electricity. They believe the upcoming LGE will bring change to their lives.
CREDITS: Fundiswa Mhlekude & Nkululeko Nyembezi
VIDEO | LGE 2026 | Tlokoeng residents form community-centered party to contest elections
