Some community members of the former Umjindi Local Municipality (ULM) have left Barberton vandalised after a week-long protest calling for the town’s demerger from the City of Mbombela (CoM).

Protesters used burning tyres and debris to barricade roads, destroyed traffic lights, and damaged roads and private property, including vehicles. The strike began on Friday, August 8, and was temporarily suspended on Wednesday, August 13.

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In 2019, during a similar protest to demerge the ULM from the CoM, a police station, community hall, and skills development centre were set alight.

Residents who spoke to Mpumalanga News said they opposed the vandalism but remained firm in their call for Barberton to be separated from the CoM.

One resident, Themba Stutu, who joined the protest, said the strike stemmed from poor service delivery. He claimed that when the ULM merged with the CoM, no stakeholders or communities were consulted.

“Since the strike started, no one from the leadership has come to address the community, and this is why the protest won’t stop. The people want to be demerged from the CoM. Everything has become worse since the amalgamation,” said Stutu.

Ward 45 councillor, Shugulugu Mnangwagwa, agreed that the lack of consultation during the 2015 amalgamation likely fuelled the unrest.

“The people will not stop and will continue disrupting daily operations until the authorities come to address them. Where is the leadership of the municipality and the province? We are calling on CoM authorities to come here,” he said.

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CoM spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, said that while the City understood residents’ wish to demerge, vandalising infrastructure was unacceptable.

“We took the report to council, and the matter was referred to the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB). This matter is no longer with the municipality,” said Ngala.

The MDB’s senior manager, Berileng Dichabe, said the CoM remains responsible for service delivery in Barberton and other areas of the former ULM.

“We urge the government to be intentional in developing mechanisms that support clear programmes aimed at fostering integration, development, and equitable resource distribution. The MDB sympathises with those aggrieved by its decision not to demerge or disestablish any municipalities at this stage. Aggrieved individuals are welcome to exercise their constitutional rights by approaching the courts,” Dichabe said.