MBOMBELA – Employees of Coca-Cola Fortune have taken to the streets to voice their frustrations.
Hundreds of workers converged at the bridge on the Old Pretoria Road this morning, and are currently blockading the road with rocks and tyres.
They told Lowvelder that they demand a 10 per cent salary increment. They are also up in arms about the 12-hour shifts, stating that this was simply too long for too little money. The protesters are also against the implementation of Section 189 of the Constitution of South Africa.
The protest, which initially began as an amicable march, is progressively becoming more aggressive. A Coca-Cola branded delivery truck was allegedly hit with a petrol bomb this morning. Workers are throwing stones at security vehicles on the scene, who threatens armed response if the protests does not become civilized soon.
Capt. Pieter Smith from the SAPS flying squad warned the organiser of the protest to calm down and refrain from damaging any passing vehicles.
On the scene is SAPS, Bossies Community Justice, Hi-Tech Security Nelspruit and Fidelity to ensure civility is maintained.
Though the road is still open to motorists, an alternative route is recommended. Companies with trucks which frequent this road are currently being rerouted for safety reasons.
At this moment, vehicles with Coca-Cola branding and security are still being targeted.
The workers was supposed to hand in their memorandum of agreement to Coca-Cola Fortune management this morning, but instead chose to continue to block the road.
More details will be provided as more information becomes available.
View photos form the scene here
