Nkomazi Rate Payers Association (NRPAS) held a road show in Komatipoort, Marloth Park and Malalane, and on March 11, attracted a lot of support. Marloth Park inhabitants in particular were jam-packed into the Henk van Rooyen Park hall. Jaap Kelder, chairman of the National Taxpayers Union told attendees of his own experiences in dealing with recalcitrant and ineffective municipalities over the past 14 years. He detailed the options available to the public in achieving the services paid for and otherwise guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and encouraged residents to play an active part in the process. While the address was well received in general, it was apparent that most attendees needed no convincing and were eager to join and get done with it. A number of people voiced long-standing problems that they had previously registered with the Nkomazi Municipality and received no satisfactory feedback on, in particular surrounding the issue of water supply in Marloth Park. A large number of people have now joined the Association, and the number is now growing daily.

In terms of structure, management takes the following form: Mel Preddy of Malalane has been designated Chairman, with the active support of Chris Engelbrecht of Malalane and Jan Engelbrecht and John O’Reilly of Komatipoort; Marloth Park residents will decide on a representative member from their side during the coming AGM of Marloth Property Owners Association. Representation will be sought from other areas and interest groups during the coming weeks and as special matters of interest come to light.

Mel Preddy stated that all activities of the Association will be handled on a project basis, which means that there will be no rushing into things. A methodical and thorough approach will prevail, and projects will be prioritized appropriately with the objective of pursuing them to completion. Executive Committee members are strictly volunteers. The Nkomazi Ratepayers Association is totally apolitical. It does not associate with the beliefs in anything other than applicable South African law in the context of Local Government.

All Nkomazi ratepayers are encouraged to join, whether resident or only present during holidays. The　Nkomazi Rate Payers Association (NRPAS) has the primary objective of ensuring adequate representation of all ratepayers in Nkomazi in collective dealings with the Nkomazi Municipality, with the purpose of facilitating improved service delivery and transparency at Local Government level. It is willing to use all legal recourses available in terms of South African law. (Read more on http://www.nrpas.co.za/News.aspx)