Fed-up Newcastle residents protested outside the municipal building on Wednesday morning (November 5), demanding that the municipality re-evaluate how it bills residents.

Organised by the Concerned Newcastle Citizens group, dozens of people gathered at Trim Park before marching to the municipality to voice their concerns and hand over a memorandum to the mayor, Cllr Xolani Dube.

Despite threats of an IFP counter-march, the group was able to reach the municipality with no interference.

Deputy chairperson of the group, Dr Mduduzi Hlatshwayo, addressed municipal officials and outlined concerns, which included extremely high rates, estimated meter readings and poor service delivery.

The group has given the municipality until Monday, November 10, to respond to the memorandum and provide a viable resolution to the issues raised.

Municipal manager, Zamani Mncineka, received the memorandum from Hlatshwayo before Dube briefly addressed the protestors.

A disgruntled Hlatshwayo said he felt the mayor’s response was dismissive and sarcastic, adding, “I see us coming back here.”

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