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Attempts to put Langa on the map and revive its economy shifted to a higher gear over the weekend when various stakeholders gathered at the Langa Sports Complex to resuscitate the seemingly incapacitated Langa Development Forum(LDF).
Established in 2009, but, after just two years, the structure ceased to be efectual due to - according to some partie- infighting, factionalism and individualism.
“Individuals who put their own interests ahead of the community,” one source familiar with the goings-on said.
Until now, attempts to revive the structure have failed. The last effort being by the City of Cape Town in 2015.
The latest move, which appears to have won the hearts of the community, has been spearheaded by local Ward 41 Councillor Rashid Adams, Ward 52’s Samkelo John and Nomtha Dilima, Ward 51.
Speaking on behalf of the councillors, Dilima said the aim is to have a structure that will drive development in Langa.
She urged fellow councillors to work together to better the lives of the people.
“As councillors, our powers are limited as we are ex-officio members of the forum. So, for development to come in and be monitored in Langa, we need to have the LDF,” she stated.
As part of the launch, delegates were later divided into four commissions to come up with ideas on how they wanted the forum to operate.
Anele Gqasana, a paralegal at Langa Community Advice Service - which assisted on the revival of the forum and investigated its demise, described the event as a good step towards a brighter future.
“In 2015, the City’s Social Development attempted to revive the LDF but failed because the community couldn’t participate,” he said. “According to our findings, the community felt undermined because someone from outside told them what to do, instead of allowing them to do it for themselves.”
He said they are waiting for a LDF constitution to guide the new leadership.
“We agreed as community stakeholders to work together and we intend to elect a new interim committee for LDF, and then move on to the re-launch it,” he said.
