Today is Day Three of the Siege of Rorke’s Drift.  Those protesting against a lack of service delivery – mainly the lack of electricity – are this morning continuing to dig trenches in gravel roads in the area and block off access to the area.

Charles Aitkenhead of Rorke’s Drift Hotel said this morning that he had lost out on business with tour groups forced to seek alternative accommodation in Dundee.

“There are about 200 rocks blocking my drive way.  My staff are not at work as they have been intimidated.  The Helpmekaar police have been here yesterday to escort out my other group of tourists.  But as far as we know there have been no arrests even though public roads have been blocked and stones thrown at motorists,” he said.

The Courier was told that police from Newcastle and the Dog Unit had been deployed in the area but the protests are continuing. There was a community meeting attended by Msinga Mayor Ngcobo in a bid to calm tensions. The Municipality has not yet responded to requests for an update on the situation.

Herman de Wet, who farms in the area and is also chairman of the Farmers Union, said he had received good co-operation from the SAPS Cluster Office in Dundee.

“My road has also been blocked.  A civilian vehicle was damaged when stones were thrown.  The issue is about electricity mainly.  Across the Buffalo River is Nquthu Municipality and people there have electricity. On this side of the river there is no electricity and this has made people angry. Sadly, their anger has impacted on us and on the economy of the area which relies heavily on tourism.”

The Rorkes’ Drift Museum is currently closed as are schools. Tomorrows Peace Walks and Marathon, organised by the Biggarsberg Athletic Club, has been cancelled as has the annual commemorative football match between the Zulu Zebras and Redcoats that would have taken place on Monday, January 22 – the anniversary of the battle of Rorke’s Drift.

Motorists are advised to keep away from the area.  There will be more follow ups as the story unfolds.