Movement in and out of Msholozi village came to a complete standstill this morning as the entrance near on the R40 junction was blocked with burning tyres. This was due to employment issues with municipal projects taking place in the area.
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Subsequently, commuters and motorists were forced to use alternative routes. Mpumalanga News learned that the strike was initiated by community members who were allegedly dissatisfied over unequal job opportunities given to factions of ANC members. They alleged that people belonging to the Ngci group were preferred over those belonging to the Focus groups when it came to municipal projects, including the installation of water pipes and paving in the area. “We want equal opportunities with the projects concerning this area. Why should all of them be given to certain individuals?” they said. “People must be employed based on their living conditions,” others said.
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Cllr Kenneth Mkhonto said, “We have yet to listen to the community’s grievances. They called me for a meeting yesterday and I agreed to meet them this morning, but I was surprised to find them picketing,” he said. Mkhonto said no one had been hired for the project as yet and locals would be appointed today. “No one has been hired for the said projects. Locals are still to be employed during a community meeting,” he concluded.
