Attempts to discourage protest organisers from effecting a complete shutdown tomorrow, are currently underway.

This afternoon, members of the Newcastle Business and Residents Forum (NBRF) are meeting with Sanco (the South African Nations Civic Organisation) and a newly formed activist group, which calls itself ‘Newcastle Deserves Better’, to discuss a way forward.

NBRF deputy chairman, SW Scott, hopes to, “talk them out of it ,” and will even consider obtaining a court order if that’s what it takes to avoid another shutdown.

“We support some of the concerns they (Sanco) are raising, but we do not support another shutdown. We cannot afford it,” said Mr Scott. “If they want to march to the mayor, they are welcome, but… If they love Newcastle, like they say they do, why hit the already crippled economy.”

Sanco’s intention to effect a complete shutdown became public knowledge last night when a copy of the organisation’s memorandum was shared on social media.

Among the issues raised in the memorandum, is the unhygienic state of the town following the firing of 223 staff, load-shedding being carried out for the first time in Newcastle, ‘water-shedding’ in Newcastle East, and the poor condition of roads and other infrastructure.

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Residents believe the protest is merely a result of the ANC being at war with itself.

However, this is disputed by ‘Newcastle Deserves Better’ chairman and shutdown co-ordinator, Lekgotla Monareng… who is also former regional secretary of the ANC.

“I am not a member of Sanco, nor have I ever been. I have nothing to do with their memorandum,” claimed Mr Monareng. “Our group will participate in tomorrow’s protest, not as members of Sanco, but as concerned citizens.”

Mr Monareng, who is often seen in the company of former ANC regional chairperson, Arthur Zwane, (Mr Zwane lost his title to Newcastle mayor, Dr Nthuthuko Mahlaba) denies that he belongs to any faction, or that he has anything but the community’s best interests at heart.

“I will never be used by any faction. Whichever faction will be hurt by our actions, will be by accident not by design,” stated Mr Monareng. “I am a loyal member of the ANC, but a citizen first. I am not denouncing the ANC but I have a responsibility to stand up when I observe what is happening. If the ANC won’t listen, there is another avenue.”

He continued, “We are asking the current administration to lead in the interest of the people of Newcastle. We have no personal hate for the leadership of the ANC. We are motivated by our love for the town. There are even political activists from other parties, like the IFP, who will join us.”

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IFP district secretary, Thengi Moses Zulu, said members who choose to participate would do so in their personal capacity as the protest has nothing to do with the IFP.

“I don’t know anything about the protest. Nobody involved us (the IFP),” said Cllr Zulu. “Once you choose to participate, you must do so with the knowledge that there two factions of the ANC that are fighting. Which one do you support? We, as the IFP, are supposed to stay neutral.”

Mr Monareng promised that, while movement in Newcastle will be restricted during the protest, and normal business activities will be disrupted, there will be no violence or vandalism.

“I personally guarantee that residents will be safe,” he said.

Sources at Newcastle SAPS, however, are not so sure, saying it is impossible to predict if a protest will escalate to violence or not, or to guarantee the safety of residents.

Sanco regional chairman, Elvis Msibi, appeared just as reluctant to guarantee the safety of members of the public who attempt to make their way past any barricades set up by protestors.

“Eish! I don’t know,” said Mr Msibi, when questioned about residents’ safety. Mr Msibi told the Newcastle Advertiser he expected hundreds of people to join the protest, which will extend to areas surrounding the Newcastle CBD, including, Kwamathukuza, Madadeni, oSizweni and Blaauwbosch.

ALSO READ: Newcastle shut down by protest

Contrary to the strong stance taken by other members of the NBRF to oppose a shutdown, chairman of the Forum, Mdu Mnisi, appears inclined to support the protest.

“We can’t distance ourselves,” said Mr Mnisi. “What is happening affects us as well. If the shutdown continues, we will support it, but we will discuss ways on how to do it without impacting on the economy. This shutdown is going to take place with or without me. If I am involved, people may be safer.”

Other members of the NBRF have threatened to resign if the organisation is seen supporting the shutdown, saying they joined with the understanding the NBRF will refrain from engaging in political activity.

In a media statement released by Newcastle Municipality, Dr Mahlaba urges residents to remain calm, but also warns that the protest might lead to, “total disruption,” and, “impact negatively,” on residents.

The mayor further called on the protest organisers to abandon their plan and engage with the municipality constructively.

“Calls for violent protests are a clear indication of backwardness,” stated Dr Mahlaba. “We make a clarion call for residents to assess and critically scrutinise movements that selfishly serve the interests of individuals instead of the general population of Newcastle.”

Both Mr Monareng and Mr Mnisi said their attempts at constructive engagement, in the past, were met with hostility and arrogance.

Dr Mahlaba’s press statement concluded with a promise to residents to work closely with law enforcement to ensure the protest doesn’t spiral out of control.