THE R34 outside Empangeni, in the vicinity of Tronox, is again blocked by protesters this (Thursday) morning who have used trucks as well as burning tyres and debris to entirely close the route to commuters.

It is thought the road will take some time to be reopened as the protesters took the truck drivers’ keys after driving the trucks into place.

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Public Order Policing (POP) is on scene, as well as crime prevention. Protests began yesterday afternoon by community members seeking employment at Tronox.

According to the protesters, they recently submitted a memorandum of grievances to Tronox, in which they sought work at the corporate.

Tronox reportedly responded to their demands by saying the company can only employ matric certificate holders who have maths and science.

Protests erupted on the basis of this response.

It is believed there was a meeting yesterday between the protesters and Tronox, but it was reportedly abandoned. This is a developing story and the ZO will keep readers abreast of the situation.

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