BUSHBUCKRIDGE – Business at the Twin City Plaza was brought to a standstill when angry protesters barricaded the R40 with stones and burning tyres.

Residents were demanding the immediate removal of the ANC’s regional secretary of Bohlabela, Mr Mandla Ndlovu. Damning allegations against Ndlovu, who community members labelled as the premier Mr David Mabuza’s right-hand man, propelled them to resort to violent measures.

They claimed that he was preventing relevant parties in the municipality from delivering as per appointment.

“Recently, a group of ANC leaders allegedly tried to remove Ndlovu, saying he was benefiting when tenders were issued,” said one resident, Mr Musa Mashego.

They accused him of fronting for a number of companies and ignoring other leaders in the area who wanted to receive tenders.

“It is a matter of acquiring wealth for themselves, and this shows nothing less than proof that leaders are not interested in service delivery, but their pockets,” said another resident, Ms Sibongile Mashiloane.

The frustrated protesters said they did not have basic resources like water, electricity and proper roads because while the secretary was busy fighting other leaders, service delivery was being compromised.

“He is corrupt and controlling and we want him to be removed from his position, it is clear that he is not concerned about us. Why must we fight for basic rights?

He must step down. Come May, we will not be casting our votes,” added Mashiloane.

According to them, the allegations against Ndlovu were not new, they were there for a while and the ANC always made sure they were suppressed. “It is high time that this matter is thoroughly investigated because as we all know, where there is smoke, there is fire,” she said.

They claimed that even residents of Thulamahashe where Ndlovu came from, recently protested against him after realising the township was deteriorating and no services were being rendered.

“RDP houses are given to peers of the ANC and foreigners, which shows how rife corruption is in the area,” said Mr Lucas Mathonsi, a resident of Shatale Village.