Protest leader vowed that protest action would continue in Barberton
After the meeting between mining houses, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Mandla Msibi and Emjindini residents was called off yesterday, protest leader Mandla Mamba vowed that protest action would continue.
“The MEC was punctual, but there were disruptive elements that led to the MEC’s decision to cancel the meeting,” Mamba said.
He added that there would be no school for all learners, reneging on an earlier statement in which he promised that learning would not be disrupted as the protests continued.
At a community meeting held at Zanini yesterday afternoon, Mamba addressed residents and asked that healthcare workers, including nurses and doctors, be allowed to continue working.
ALSO READ: Barberton protesters demand the release of their comrades
Commenting on the disruption of yesterday’s meeting, he told Lowvelder, “The meeting was disrupted by a segment of the community, particularly those who sent out petitions.
“We have a sense that the mines are disrupting the gathering of progressive community members. “It is for this reason that we are planning a total shutdown of Barberton, starting today (Thursday).”
According to Mamba, the MEC still plans to address the community today after yesterday’s debacle. “We are waiting for them. There will not be any burning of public facilities. We condemn that very strongly,” concluded Mamba.
ALSO READ: Barberton protesters in no mood to give up
