Warmbad community protests ‘outcast’ status

The Warmbad community held a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday to raise a number of concerns and grievances.

Organiser Mathew Veldskoen said the community is "aggrieved and disgruntled" with how they have been treated by "all stakeholders".

"It seems that we are the most forgotten place and people in this country, while we are one of the indigenous people," he said.

He added that the only time their community matters is during elections, and applications for permits and mining licences.

'Sick and tired'

Among their grievances, as outlined in the petition, is the outstanding appointment of the Bondelswarts captain.

"We feel like outcasts from all the socio-economic development in the country as we have no leader. We feel like sheep without a shepherd, neither the governor nor the councillors have taken our issues seriously," Veldskoen said.

He added that not a single political leader responded to their petition or showed up for the demonstration.

Among the issues the community has highlighted as needing urgent attention are youth unemployment, the leadership crisis, land issues, lack of socio-economic development and rural electrification.

"Lastly, this is only the beginning of many to come, and we will never ever be silent on all these issues affecting our community. All relevant matters concerning this community will be addressed effectively.

"We are really sick and tired of electing leaders and receiving nothing in return for our votes," Veldskoen said.