Public protest disturbances won’t be tolerated, says mayor
eThekwini Mayor, James Nxumalo condemns the torching of three municipal cars and councillor's office in KwaNdengezi.
ETHEKWINI Mayor, James Nxumalo has condemned the destruction of municipal property during the protest in KwaNdengezi yesterday.
Angry residents protested about service delivery in the area. Roads were blockaded and three municipal vehicles and the councillor’s office were set alight.
Nxumalo along with a team of officials met with protesters yesterday afternoon to address them on the outcome for their grievances.
The mayor urged the community to be patient and await the outcome of the consultation process that is already taking place between the mayor’s office and representatives of the community.
“A meeting to that effect was held last week after the community had delivered a memorandum of grievances to the office of the mayor and it was agreed that a follow up meeting will be held in two weeks.
“I was surprised to get reports that there was a protest this morning given the fact that we met with representatives of the community last week and we were still busy organising the follow up meeting as per our agreement,” said Nxumalo.
He added that he addressed the protesters and told them about this consultation process.
“I urged them to give this process a chance because I believe that the matters they are raising can be resolved. In that meeting I will bring along the heads of different municipal units that are affected so that they can provide answers directly to the community.
“We want to condemn the misbehaviour by some elements within the community who destroyed and stole municipal property, exploiting genuine grievances by the community.
“We want to warn the community that such behaviour cannot be tolerated. No matter how angry you are that does not give you the right to destroy people’s property. Police will deal with the criminal matters,” he said.
Nxumalo said the demand by the community for the removal of their local ward councillor was outside of the municipality’s jurisdiction and the matter will be referred to the ANC, as the councillor was deployed by the political party.
