As South Africans across the nation prepare to commemorate Freedom Day, all eyes are on the rural town of Ermelo (locally known as Emlomo), where President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to address a large gathering at Swanepoel Stadium on Sunday, 27 April 2025. However, the build-up to the event has been overshadowed by logistical challenges, community frustrations, and lingering concerns about the pace of development in surrounding areas.
Accreditation Woes and Traffic Chaos
Late registration has caused a slow start with Accreditations. Accreditation for VIPs, municipal representatives, government dignitaries, media personnel, and other stakeholders kicked off today, 25 April, at Ermelo Town Hall. Officials, still finding their feet, are working to resolve issues with pending registrations – particularly among members of the media, whose names remain on side lists awaiting final screening processes.
Despite these initial hiccups, accreditation collection is expected to continue smoothly until Sunday morning. Law enforcement officers deployed to assist with preparations have been instrumental in controlling the growing traffic congestion near the accreditation venue at the corner of Fourie and Little Street.
Persistent heavy rains, which began in the early hours of Wednesday, have further exacerbated the situation. Damage to the main truck route encircling Ermelo has forced heavy vehicles to detour through Fourie and Little Street, leading to severe congestion just days before the President’s arrival.
Community Voices of Discontent
While preparations are underway to welcome President Ramaphosa, local residents remain skeptical about whether his visit will address the pressing issues plaguing their communities.
“The problem is that our local leaders will not allow the President to move around Ermelo freely,” lamented Mr. Zwane, a former resident of KwaMabuza who relocated to Wesselton Township due to the slow pace of development in his previous settlement. “They will put blinkers on him to get to the stadium and out of Ermelo without seeing the terrible conditions that we live in.”
KwaMabuza, an informal settlement on the outskirts of Ermelo, was acquired by the Department of Human Settlements in December 2020. However, residents say they have yet to benefit from government ownership of the land. Prohibited from building permanent structures, many families feel abandoned, particularly during heavy rains when their shacks start to lick and water flows freely as there is no drainage system. Even worse, the area becomes inaccessible. Scholar transport struggles to reach KwaMabuza, forcing children to miss school, while taxis often drop residents off at Fourie Street, leaving them to navigate muddy, unsafe roads on foot.
Expectations from President Ramaphosa’s Speech
Against this backdrop of community frustration, President Ramaphosa’s address is expected to tackle several key issues:
Infrastructure Development: With Ermelo’s damaged truck routes and deteriorating informal settlements highlighting broader concerns about service delivery, Ramaphosa is likely to emphasize renewed efforts toward infrastructure upgrades, particularly in rural areas like KwaMabuza in Ermelo now also known as Ermelo Ext 50 after the land was acquired by Government.
Housing and Land Reform: Given the unresolved development of government-owned land in KwaMabuza, many residents hope the President will provide concrete updates on housing projects and land redistribution initiatives.
Economic Revitalization: As a coal mining hub, Ermelo plays a critical through town in supplying coal from surrounding mines to Eskom power stations. Ramaphosa is expected to address both the economic opportunities and environmental challenges posed by coal mining, with a focus on job creation and sustainable development. he is also expected to touch on the prestigious Serit Green Energy project currently developing in full swing between Bethal and Morgenzon towns.
Youth and Education: With scholar transport disruptions impacting children in informal settlements, the President may outline plans to improve access to education in rural areas.
Security and Logistics
Security has been heightened in anticipation of the President’s arrival, with police continuing to monitor high-traffic zones and ensuring the safety of dignitaries and attendees. Despite traffic congestion caused by rerouted trucks, authorities are optimistic that logistical hurdles will be addressed before Sunday’s event. “I also got a temporary job as a security guard at Swanepoel Stadium for Saturday and Sunday,” says one excited youth Sifiso Nkosi as he went to collect his uniform and submit his SIRA documents. Sifiso is from KwaMabuza settlement and is also one of the lead actors in the newly uploaded African Spiritual Drama series: The Chosen Soul | Umphefumulo Okhethiwe. He stars in the Series as John.
A Community in Need of Answers
For residents like Mr. Zwane and those still living in KwaMabuza, Ramaphosa’s visit represents not just a celebration of the country’s freedom but also a plea for meaningful change. As the community prepares to welcome the President, many are hopeful that his address will shed light on their longstanding grievances and pave the way for long-awaited development.
Freedom Day celebrations are set to begin at 10:00 AM at Swanepoel Stadium. Accreditation collection remains open until Sunday morning at Ermelo Town Hall.
For more updates on the Freedom Day celebrations in Ermelo, follow Khanyisa Newspaper on social media or visit our website Here.
help is on the way help is on the way .