The Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini has accused former party councillor Ethan Ramkuar of creating divisions between the party’s current representatives and the communities they serve. Ramkuar, who now heads the non-profit organisation Survival Centre, has been at the forefront of protests in the Chatsworth and Shallcross areas of southwest Durban, where residents are grappling with severe water shortages. On Monday, he led community members in laying criminal charges against the DA’s ward councillors, accusing them of failing to address the water crisis.
The DAβs eThekwini caucus leader, Councillor Thabani Mthethwa, responded strongly, calling Ramkuar a βdisgraced former party councillorβ whose actions were driven by personal political ambitions rather than genuine concern for the community. Mthethwa accused Ramkuar of spreading false information and unfairly blaming DA councillors for the water issues, which he argued stem from service delivery failures by the ANC-IFP-EFF-run municipality. The party further claimed that Ramkuarβs focus on DA councillors in an area also governed by ANC representatives smacked of political opportunism, suggesting his actions were part of a larger agenda to tarnish the DAβs reputation.
Ramkuar, however, defended his actions, asserting that the assault allegations that led to his departure from the DA were part of a politically motivated plot. He claimed the case was withdrawn due to political interference from within the party, insisting that he had been a dedicated councillor who worked tirelessly for the people of Umhlathuze Local Municipality in Richards Bay. Ramkuar argued that his commitment to the communities he served was clear from the messages of support he received from residents, officials, and even fellow DA members, refuting claims that his departure was the result of any personal failings.
As the water crisis continues to affect residents in Chatsworth and Shallcross, protests have intensified, with community members complaining of going without water for 27 consecutive days. Through his Survival Centre, Ramkuar has called for urgent intervention from the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasiwe Buthelezi. Residents have voiced their frustrations, demanding that the provincial government step in to address the ongoing water shortages, which have left many struggling to meet their daily needs.
The dispute between Ramkuar and the DA has underscored the growing tensions over service delivery failures in the region. While Ramkuar focuses on holding the DA accountable for the water crisis, the party maintains that the root cause of the problem lies with the municipal authorities controlled by the ANC-led coalition. With both sides accusing each other of political manoeuvring, the residents of Chatsworth and Shallcross find themselves caught in the crossfire, struggling with basic service delivery issues that have been left unresolved for weeks.
This bitter back-and-forth highlights the challenges of governance in a multi-party political environment, where accusations of political manipulation are frequently hurled amidst ongoing service delivery crises. As the water shortages persist, the calls for accountability are growing louder, with residents eager for action from all levels of government. Whether Ramkuarβs protests will lead to tangible change or whether the DAβs accusations will undermine his credibility remains to be seen, but for the people of Chatsworth and Shallcross, the struggle for basic services continues unabated.