Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 14 November 2025 | 08:45 CAT

The eThekwini Ratepayers’ Protest Movement (ERPM) takes its activism from the streets to the ballot box, demanding better leadership, accountability, and improved services for residents. Image: Zainul Dawood

Urgent political realignment may be on the horizon in eThekwini as the eThekwini Ratepayers’ Protest Movement (ERPM) officially prepares to enter next year’s local government elections. What began as a civic protest platform has now evolved into an organised bid for political representation, a move ERPM leader Asad Gaffar describes as “reluctant, but necessary.”

Gaffar says the decision stems from the continuous breakdown of leadership and accountability across council structures. “It’s a concern when a party is elected and then they abstain from taking decisive decisions in favour of the ratepayers,” he told Radio Islam International. He argues that partisan interests have overshadowed service delivery, adding: “A fish rots from the head, whatever decisions are being taken are not in favour of eThekwini, not in favour of the residents.”

The frustrations come at a time of rising tensions between councillors and civic activists, exemplified by the recent DA gag order case in Sydenham. Gaffar says residents are increasingly disillusioned by a political landscape in which, “many people don’t want to vote ANC, but they also don’t want to give their vote to the DA.” In a recent by-election in Yellowwood Park, only 5,000 of 20,000 registered voters cast ballots, a stark indicator of public fatigue.

ERPM aims to capture at least 10 council seats, banking on support from voters who feel abandoned by mainstream parties. Their campaign message is clear: better ethics, transparency, and community-centred governance. “We are giving you an alternative, those of you who want to vote for better ethics, vote for us,” Gaffar said.

The movement’s criticisms extend to everyday governance failures – potholes, raw sewage, non-functioning streetlights issues, Gaffar argues “are simple things” that councillors have neglected while “arguing over irrelevant issues.” He also accuses some councillors of failing basic obligations, such as holding quarterly public engagements or scrutinising ward expenditure reports.

Amid concerns that civic groups lose independence once absorbed into formal politics, Gaffar insists ERPM remains grounded in its mandate: “We’re entering reluctantly and someone needs to be the adult in the room.”

The movement is also attempting to bridge gaps between ratepayers and residents of informal settlements. With over 600 informal settlements in eThekwini, Gaffar stresses the need for humane, coordinated policy intervention. “Surely, as a government, you cannot allow human beings to suffer like this,” he said, pointing to raw sewage, uncollected waste and severe water shortages.

As eThekwini approaches what may be a decisive election, groups like ERPM are shifting the conversation to accountability, community representation, and the real meaning of public service. Whether they can convert civic frustration into political reform may become one of the city’s defining tests.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Ahmed Waja and Asad Gaffar.