MEC calls for calm in Duduza after Gibela outrage
Duduza - Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Lebogang Maile, has called for calm in Duduza.
He was speaking during the post-SOPA (State of the Province) address in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, on Tuesday.
Angry residents have burned down a post office and vandalised the Duduza Multipurpose Centre, the clinic and foreign-owned stores.
Read: Angry residents demand jobs, burns post office and Duduza Multipurpose Centre
They have been protesting since Monday morning over the alleged unfair recruitment of people from areas outside Ekurhuleni for a R1-billion train-manufacturing centre being built at Dunnottar by Gibela Rail Transport Consortium (Gibela).
Maile says that it is unfair for the residents of Duduza to be enraged by the employment of people from outside the area.
“This is a national project which is meant to benefit people from any part of the country.
“We cannot expect that the recruitment be localised,” he said.
Maile promised the residents that, together with the MMCs and councillors in the area, he would meet with the officials at Gibela to get to the bottom of the matter.
Read: Gibela concerned about escalating unrest
“We are worried about the allegations that the company has hired a new CLO ( Community Liaison Officer) and that the community stakeholders have been disbanded by Gibela,” he said.
Maile said that it was irresponsible of the residents to torch and vandalise buildings.
“This will affect service delivery in the area,” he said.
He says that government understands that many people are frustrated and desperate to find employment.
“But burning buildings and putting the lives of others in danger is not an option.
“As the government we are trying to come up with different ways of creating employment opportunities,” he said.
ANC chief whip Clr Jongizizwe Dlabathi said the ANC caucus strongly condemns the burning of public infrastructure in the area.
“This will have a negative impact on all citizens of Duduza because it will affect service delivery.”
He added that the ANC is calling for calm and appealing to all stakeholders to find a speedy and amicable solution to the problem.
The residents have threatened to continue with the protest until their grievances are addressed.
