MEC Vusi Shongwe’s visit follows a day of unrest in Middelburg on Thursday. Protests erupted in various spots in and around Middelburg, sparked by recent tariff increases implemented by the Steve Tshwete Municipality.

On Thursday several roads were blocked. The N11 adjacent to Hlalamnandi, Nasaret and Rockdale as well as roads around Mhluzi Mall were hardest hit. Police had to use rubber bullets to disperse protesters blocking the N4 at the Hendrina offramp.

MEC Shongwe started his visit at the Public Order Policing base where he held a media briefing. He said that he spoke to the Minister of Police and said that it is not necessary to send the South African National Defence Force because the police was capable of handling the situation.

He also stated that Middelburg is an important municipality in Mpumalanga because of its good track record with clean audits.

A concession is now traveling through Middelburg for MEC Shongwe to visit hotspots.

In the meanwhile a special council meeting is underway to discuss the present state of the municipality.