Ratepayers to march despite fears of IFP interference
Concerned Newcastle Citizens say they will ignore IFP 'counter-march' on their way to deliver their memorandum to the Newcastle Municipality. Read more here:
Tensions are high as members of the Concerned Newcastle Citizens (CNC) group gather this morning (November 5) at Trim Park to march to the Newcastle Municipality.
Law enforcement officers at the gathering site unofficially confirmed that they had heard rumblings of a ‘counter-march’ being planned by members of the IFP.
It is alleged that IFP members intend on gathering along Sutherland Street later this morning to intercept the march, and prevent residents from handing over their memorandum at the municipality.
The IFP is the ruling party in the Newcastle council.
Deputy Chairperson of the CNC, Dr Mduduzi Hlatshwayo, said he is aware of the ‘counter-march’ being planned and had notified the police accordingly.
“I am aware that the IFP is up to its tricks but we will not let that affect us,” said Hlatshwayo, reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful march. “We are just going to ignore them. The police must deal with them.”
“Our march was planned properly, ahead of time and we followed all the necessary procedures beforehand, notifying all the relevant departments. We received the necessary approvals from the municipality to host a peaceful march,” added Hlatshwayo.
“This counter-march that is being planned is unlawful and we heard that they will attempt to prevent us from delivering our memorandum. However, we know where we are going, what we are doing and what we are doing it for, so we will not be entertaining this group. The police must deal with them.”
CNC is protesting against high rates and taxes and calling for improved service delivery.
IFP Speaker of the local council, Cllr Thengi Zulu, denied knowledge of a counter-march being planned by the IFP, saying he has not heard anything about it as yet.
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