Cottondale residents protest against ward councillor’s alleged nepotism
The protesters burnt pipes that were to be installed for water provision.
Infuriated community members took over the streets of Cottondale, outside Acornhoek, protesting against the its ward councillor Samson Makhubele’s alleged nepotism during the hiring processes of a water pipe installation project in the area.
Some of the protesters alleged that the matter was brought forward to the councillor before the protest action took place today.
“He failed to conduct community meetings to resolve our challenges with service delivery and similar cases like this one. His actions show that he does not take us seriously,” said one of the community members.
The protesters demonstrated their fury by burning the water pipes that were supposed to be installed, and blockaded the road heading to Manyeleti Game Reserve from Acornhoek.
The Bushbuckridge Local Municipality spokesperson, Fhumulani Thovhakale, said that the municipality is aware of the protest action.
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“We strongly condemn the burning of water pipes at the Cottondale contractors site office and the matter has been reported to the police since this is an arson case,” Thovhakale said.
The spokesperson did not respond to Mpumalanga News’ query about the ward councillor’s alleged nepotism.
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This is a developing story. Read more in the next edition of Mpumalanga News.
