LIMPOPO – According to unconfirmed reports, protest action in Vaalwater is as a result of complaints by residents over unfair hiring procedures used by councillors, as well as other grievances such as a shortage of water, an uncomplete sports centre and a second community hall.

In a video, protestors can be seen burning tyres and blocking roads in the town.

Protestors are said to have taken to the streets following Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality Mayor, Marlene van Staden’s failure to provide feedback on a memorandum with grievances.

When approached for comment, Van Staden confirmed to Review that she had received the memorandum, however, she said the grievances were about a contract given by SANRAL to upgrade the R33.

“I received the memorandum on the 22nd and was scheduled to meet with the community tomorrow at 12:00, to provide feedback. Members of the community feel the database used by the municipality should be scrapped, but there’s a process to this. The database was put in place to ensure transparency when it comes to the awarding of contracts,” she explained.

Van Staden said this is the third time an “unlawful strike” has taken place in the area over the awarded contract. 

Van Staden is set to meet with residents at 16:00 today.