Youths burn tyres and block major route in Wesselton over outsourcing of jobs
Two days after this protest, the Economic Freedom Fighters also took to the street to protest over service delivery in Enyibe.
Youths from Ward 4 in Ext 1 in Wesselton burned tyres and barricaded the road to a major route in the township last Wednesday, 9 May while they were protesting over various issues, including the outsourcing of jobs for a project in the area.
The issue has been bubbling under the surface until it boiled over on Wednesday, prompting residents to take to the streets and demanding that Msukaligwa Municipality and the councillor for the area, Mr Bongani Ndhlovu, address them.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene to monitor the situation, but no violence was reported.
The project in question was the renovations of the Emjonjeni Clinic. Residents said employees of the project are not from the area.
“They outsource these jobs, leaving locals to starve while we are able and willing to work,” said a resident.
Another resident alleged that the project is run by nepotism and that the councillor employs people who know him personally.
Other issues were:
- A lack of service delivery.
- A lack of housing.
- Unemployment.
- Land issues.
The protesters were adamant that if these issues were not resolved, they would take action that would have dire consequences.
A resident alleged a leader had been threatened for initiating the revolt, however the Highvelder could not confirm the allegation at time of going to print.
The municipal manager, Mr Daniel Maluleke, promptly attended to the matter and addressed the protesters. He asked them for a written letter that detailed their concerns.
“I will look into the matter if you give me a written document by the end of the day,” he said.
This seemed to appease the protesters who dispersed after his address.
Msukaligwa has seen numerous protests over service delivery issues since the beginning of the year, with disgruntled residents taking to the street to voice their displeasure.
Two days after this protest, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also took to the street to protest over service delivery in Enyibe.
The municipality received memorandums and assured the public they were doing everything they could to address the problems.
This is a developing story and the Highvelder will be following it closely.
