Despite the The Department of Human Settlements dismissing rumours that the budget set aside to restore storm damaged houses in three areas in the City of Mbombela is exhausted, the protest continues spreading to other areas this morning.
The premier, Refilwe Mtsweni who was scheduled to address the community of KaNyamazane failed to do so after angry residents made it clear that they would rather be addressed by the president, Cyril Ramaphosa.
During the three day protest vital schooling time was lost since Monday and workers failed to report to their respective workplaces. Road closures and burning tyres around the area also prevented commuters from leaving. Foreign owned shops and a liquor shop at the shopping complex were also looted.
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In an urgent meeting yesterday between the department and contractors, it was urged that contractors should continue working and submit their invoices. The department dismissed unfounded rumours that the budget of R19 million earmarked to address natural disasters through the province during 2018/19 financial year has been depleted.
Meanwhile, it is still unclear what the concerns in other areas are. However, police spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said the situation is being monitored.
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