Protest action on the KwaMathukuza road resulted in gridlocked traffic between Madadeni and Newcastle this morning.

The route between Osizweni and Newcastle was blocked by protesters from the early hours of today, forcing motorists to divert through Madadeni. As a result however, traffic came to a standstill on the Asiphephe Bridge, near Albert Wessels Drive.

SAPS Newcastle spokesperson, Captain Jabulani Ncube said the police service was aware of the strike action and had deployed officials to ‘manage the situation’.

It is alleged protesters blocked the KwaMathukuza road after a voice note began circulating, allegedly broadcast by civil group Newcastle Deserves Better. The voice note has been translated as follows:

“Residents of Newcastle, have you heard that last week the Mayor of Newcastle, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba hired 120 people without following proper procedures? All the people hired are not from Newcastle. It is stated he hired the Acting MM, Muzi Mayisela’s son and his girlfriend, whereas we have children sitting at home with degrees and who have applied at the municipality with no luck. Every time there are complaints, he lies to us and says it’s corruption of those who were in power before, but now it is clear he’s the biggest culprit.”

The voice noted further stated Cllr Mahlaba had lied on a national radio programme, allegedly saying there were no water issues within Newcastle Municipality, despite frequent water disruptions.

“We first believed him when he said he was being attacked by political forces, but now we have seen that he is the problem. That’s why we have taken the decision to work hand-in-hand with workers and Osizweni Concerned Group, to bring Newcastle to a standstill. On February 24, nothing will move; no one is going to work. We want to issue a warning, especially to those rats working at the municipality, that their safety is not in our hands but in the hands of the angry residents. No one is going to work; no buses, no taxis!”

Newcastle Deserves Better chairman, Lekgotla Monareng said the group had not initiated the strike action as claimed, but still supported the strike:

“There is a group called Osizweni Concerned Group, with KwaMathukuza Group and Madadeni Group, which contacted us informing us about their plan to strike. As Newcastle Deserves Better, we can’t take the credit for the strike but we do support them. They stated the 120 workers who have been recently hired at the municipality… are from Nquthu, and although the number might exaggerated, we can’t confirm this at this very moment.”

Newcastle Municipality’s Head of Communications, Mlungisi Khumalo said allegations against the municipality were malicious and called them ‘outright laughable’ and ‘lies’.

“Should the instigators believe they have sufficient evidence of this, they are then encouraged to produce sufficient documented proof. The municipality will give them audience to present their case, in full view of the public. They are also encouraged to escalate the matter to the relevant body which governs and oversees the functions of all municipalities. Dr Mahlaba says the municipality will always give first preference to its residents when employment opportunities within the municipality arise.”

Monareng further alleged there was nepotism taking place at the municipality, stating the hiring of acting Municipal Manger, Muzi Mayisela’s son and son’s girlfriend was proof.

“That is no lie; there’s documentation for that and it can be proven. Now what do you call this? It is nepotism, and one would ask if you really want to be led by such leadership?”

Khumalo countered and said Monareng’s allegation was misleading, stating the selection criteria at the municipality was transparent and application exercises were done in full view of all municipal officials.

“The MM did not appoint his son. He is not involved in the process of hiring; that is Human Resource’s decision. The MM was not even at the municipality at that time and was away. Such allegations’ intentions are to fuel anger and public outcry.”

Monareng concluded that although Newcastle Deserves Better had not organised the strike, the group supported it:

“We are not condemning the strike, but it needs to be known that we didn’t initiate it. Just because the apparent voice note says Newcastle Deserves Better doesn’t necessarily mean it was us, but simply implies that people do indeed believe Newcastle deserves better.”

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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