MBOMBELA – The Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT) is worried about the continued protests in and around the city.
The area has been plagued by violent protests that have seen the closure of roads leading to town, negatively affecting business and tourism.
Angry community members have blockaded roads in KaNyamazane township outside Mbombela and the N4 with burning tyres, stones and bricks since Sunday. The ruling party’s regional representatives challenged local sitting councillors as candidates in the coming elections.
KLCBT has asked for urgent intervention by government and the municipal leadership. The plea was addressed to the MEC for economic development and tourism, Mr Eric Kholwane, MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe and the mayor Mr Sbusiso Mathonsi.
“We cannot let such a local problem cause inconvenience and losses to the entire community of Mbombela, as well as to tourists who are trying to reach the airport and might possibly risk missing international flights.”
In a letter to the stakeholders the chamber said that there was a major outcry from its members, because of a lack of productivity and loss of business as result of staff not being able to come to work.
“This is an urgent appeal to you to intervene and take the lead in finding a solution to resolve the protests which are causing the major access routes to Mbombela to be blocked,” the chamber said.
It added it had also learned from experience that if there was no timeous intervention, the violence would escalate into serious injuries, loss of property and even death. It believed that violence should be prevented at all cost.
“On behalf of the business community, we appeal for urgent intervention to prevent further business losses at a time we can least afford it.
“Please also consider the thousands of workers who may not get paid for the days they are unable to come to work,” the KLCBT’s letter concluded.
In other areas like Sabie, protesters also blocked the road leading to the town.
