UPDATE: Mayor’s no-show upsets business people

Furious business owners stormed out of the KwaDukuza Town Hall last Thursday after mayor Ricardo Mthembu did not pitch for a meeting, called by him, to discuss the new pay parking system.

As of November 1, motorists in Stanger, Ballito, Umhlali and Shakakraal have to pay R6 an hour to park in public bays – although the marshalls are not yet active in Ballito.

The system, launched by Mthembu, directly affects business owners whose staff and customers make use of the bays. Since its implementation, the system has received mixed reactions from affected community members.

The meeting, which was publicly communicated by KDM a day before it was to take place, was meant to address concerns that the Stanger business community faced in light of the new system.

For more stories on the pay parking system click HERE

Although Ballito business owners were welcome to attend, the mayor planned to hold a separate meeting to iron out their issues.

However, despite the last minute announcement, the more than 40 people who showed up to engage with the mayor were told that he was attending a traditional event, but that other officials including KwaDukuza deputy mayor Dolly Govender would address them.

Outraged, the room erupted with insults as business owners accused Mthembu of being disrespectful and of not caring about their businesses.

They demanded that the meeting be postponed and refused to be addressed by anyone other than the mayor himself.

“Firstly it was short notice and business owners made themselves available. This was the first attempt at public participation from the mayor’s side, even though it came after the system was already implemented. How can you call a meeting, and not show up? Where do his priorities lie?” said Stanger business owner Ishmail Mitha.

KDM knowledge and communications officer Sphelelo Ngobese said an open public meeting was planned to take place at the Ilembe Auditorium next Wednesday, November 29 at 5.15 pm.

“There will be one meeting and it will not target a specific group of people but it will be open to everyone. It is meant to address all the issues regarding the parking system.”

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