No outcome regarding the mayor after MEC’s visit to Ladysmith
The MEC implores the people of Ladysmith to remain calm
The MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison in the province, Bheki Ntuli, met with stakeholders, the Ubumbano Lokuthula Organisation, the Klipriver Taxi Association and senior members of Alfred Duma Local Municipality this afternoon (March 6) in the uThukela District Municipality boardroom.
The ongoing discussions between the MEC and other parties is still continuing.
The MEC says the only deadlock is that he did not give them positive feedback on the removal of Mayor Vincent Madlala, as it is not within his powers.
The MEC says he will be coming back with a “positive response” in one week’s time, as the leadership of the ANC in the province is handling the complaints that were levelled against the mayor and a report-back will be given from the leadership of the province.
The MEC has urged the people of Ladysmith to remain calm, adding that a strong police presence is in the area and the SAPS will need to up their game and increase their visibility.
Also read: Roads are now open after protest
MEC Ntuli further urges people to co-operate with the government of the province, assuring that they will keep getting water and that transport will be available for the community.
The MEC added that he cannot predict whether there will be protest action or not in the coming days; he is just asking for the community to give him the opportunity to come back next week with answers to grievances.
He also addressed the water issue that affects many areas when there is protest action. In this regard, he has spoken to stakeholders and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Furthermore, he has addressed the issue with Premier Sihle Zikalala and a suggestion was made by the MEC to get the area around the Ezakheni Bulk Water Treatment Plant fenced off. This may not happen overnight, but the suggestion has been taken into consideration.
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