ANGRY residents of Blydeville in the troubled Ditsobotla Local Municipality have taken to the streets.
They are demanding basic services after years of frustration.
The angry community from Ward 4, Extension 4, has been protesting since Monday, 4 May 2026, over a lack of water and electricity.
Residents say they have had enough of empty promises and delays.
The situation escalated on Tuesday, 5 May, when protesters blocked roads, including the R503 near the Fourways Shell Garage, bringing traffic to a standstill.
Shops were also affected, with businesses at Lichtenburg Mall forced to close for the day due to safety concerns.
Residents say their anger dates back months.
On 9 January, the community submitted a memorandum to National Cabinet Representative Ralikontsane, demanding urgent intervention.
They were promised feedback within 14 days, later extended by 30 days, but five months later, they are still waiting.
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An agreement was later reached for officials, including the mayor and municipal manager, to address the community at Blydeville Ext 4 Sports Ground.
However, tensions flared when officials allegedly left the venue without speaking to residents, leaving the crowd furious.
Gatvol resident Dapper Kok told Daily Sun the community has been without water and electricity for nearly five years.
"We've been suffering for too long. The ward councillor has been lying to us, saying electricity was approved in 2023. Until today, nothing has happened," he said.
Dapper added that the protest was meant to force leaders to listen finally.
"We blocked the road so that the NCR can come and face us. The mayor and municipal manager only show up when they want votes, then they disappear."
Dapper further added that there is no service delivery in Blydeville.
"Projects come and go because of our leadership. They want bribery (extortion). I'm not afraid if you can write my name, sir," he said.
Earlier attempts to resolve the matter also failed.
A meeting held on 18 March to address the memorandum was disrupted, with officials promising to regroup, but residents say no progress has been made.
Municipal spokesman, Pius Batsile, confirmed that the complaints relate to water and electricity in Extension 4, describing it as a new informal settlement.
Despite efforts by a national intervention team to engage the community, residents reportedly refused to be addressed during the protests.
Community members have warned that if no response is received, the protest will continue until their demands are met.
The protest comes as the deputy president, Paul Mashatile and Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Cogta) Velenkosini Hlabisa are heading to the troubled municipality on Thursday, 7 May, on an outreach visit.
