City of Mbombela (CoM) officials have embarked on an alleged wage protest, two days before the international rugby match of South Africa vs New Zealand is scheduled to take place at Mbombela Stadium.

Workers collected refuse from residential areas and dumped it in heaps in Mbombela, blocking some roads. The affected streets are Samora Machel where it intersects with Henshall, and Brown where it intersects with Bester.

One of the employees, who wanted to remain anonymous, says it is the only time the municipality will pay attention to them, because they have tried several times to engage it, but their requests have fallen on deaf ears.

“We believe that this time, when the municipality is expecting a high volume of visitors and tourists, they will look into our grievances and respond accordingly. If they fail to address them, more disaster must be expected before the rugby kicks off.”

City officials in Barberton were also protesting early this morning, blockading roads and demanding salary increases. However, the police have addressed the situation and the roads are clear.

In Mbombela, however, only two lanes are open each in Samora Machel and Brown, with the police directing traffic.

Lowvelder is still awaiting comment from the municipality