The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has launched an application to facilitate the reporting of complaints in the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) municipality in South Africa. The app, called Thetha Mhlali, allows residents to report service delivery problems, labour disputes, and other community concerns directly to the party's KSD structures. According to EFF KSD mayoral candidate Ncedo Kolanisi, the app was created to provide residents with a platform to report problems they struggle to get addressed through existing channels.
The app has received 20 complaints since its launch about two weeks ago. One of the complaints was from a Ward 33 resident regarding a vandalised landfill site that was meant to become operational in 2019. The complainant expressed concern that the project has been left unfinished and that community members have not been provided with answers on how it will be completed. The complaint was escalated to the relevant municipal office, and the EFF is awaiting further explanation and intervention.
Another complaint lodged through the app was from a worker at a hardware store in Mthatha who alleged ill-treatment, non-payment of UIF, and denial of lunch breaks. EFF councillors and party representatives conducted an oversight visit to the store on September 23, along with law enforcement. The visit found non-compliance with many laws, and law enforcement will work with the Department of Labour to investigate further.
Kolanisi stated that the app aims to provide a platform for residents to report problems and advocate for social justice, including issues like GBV, healthcare, and police services. The EFF aims to respond rapidly to complaints, with a turnaround time of 24 to 48 hours. The party hopes to use the app to intervene in labour issues where workers are ill-treated.
The idea for the app came after a survey found that some residents struggled to travel from rural areas to report problems, while others were unable to get through to municipal officials by phone. A computer scientist pitched the idea, which the EFF liked due to its potential to address the challenges faced by residents in reporting faults.
Kolanisi reported that 15 of the 20 complaints received had been resolved, while five were still being dealt with. Three complaints involved gender-based violence, and the alleged perpetrators were subsequently arrested. Other complaints concerned issues like a clinic that allegedly stopped registering patients after 2 pm, as well as water and electricity problems.
The EFF plans to integrate the app into the municipality after the local government elections. The app is free for everybody to use and is available on the Playstore. The party hopes to introduce it to the municipality, allowing residents to log complaints for free.
Key points
- The EFF's new app has received 20 complaints since its launch, with 15 already resolved.
- The app aims to provide a platform for residents to report problems and advocate for social justice.
- The EFF plans to integrate the app into the municipality after the local government elections.
