‘Tender mafia’, Business Watch showdown on M4 – Zimbali

‘Tender mafia’ protesters and members of the Dolphin Coast Taxi Association, got into a heated confrontation outside on the M4 last week.

About 50 members of the notorious Delangokubona Business Forum protested near the Tongaat River bridge, demanding jobs at the R10 billion development site at Zimbali Lakes.

Members of the Dolphin Coast Business Watch, a security company formed by some members of the Dolphin Coast Taxi Association, were reportedly armed with rifles.

The company, which was recently registered, claims to want to protect construction sites on the North Coast while facilitating jobs for locals.

They say they will guard construction sites in Ballito, using their experience from running the taxi ranks.

Other members of the association who are apparently involved with the Delangokubona Business Forum also joined the protest.

Also read: Controversial new Dolphin Coast business to challenge ‘tender mafias’

Umhlali SAPS captain Vinny Pillay said police had been called to the confrontation.

“One of the contractors was assaulted by members of the business forum three weeks ago and when he saw them arrive, he fled through the bushes until he got to a different Zimbali entrance where he called the police.

“We did not know who was who because when our officers go there, half the members from the Dolphin Coast Taxi association were standing with the Business Forum and the other half were with the Business Watch and they were against the forum. The situation grew tense when one taxi boss arrived with a gun.”

Dolphin Coast Business Watch chairperson Dustin Pillay said they would not stand for businesses being harassed.

“We spoke to the protesters and invited them to our office. During the short meeting we had with the business forum, we realised that most of their members were from Durban and they were demanding black empowerment. We arranged a second meeting with them sometime this week.”

Responding to the disruptions by the business forums at various construction sites in Ballito, Ilembe Chamber CEO Cobus Oelofse said he would be engaging with the authorities to ensure that developers are not interrupted.

“In order to retain our appeal as an investment destination and to achieve economic growth at levels envisaged and employment creation, development projects need to be allowed to proceed uninterrupted. We will continue to work with our social partners to ensure that investors into our regional economy are allowed to conduct their business in such a way.”

Captain Pillay said no cases had been opened.

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