City of Mbombela comes to a standstill: Service delivery protests intensify

Roads leading in and out of several villages in the City of Mbombela (CoM) remained closed for the better part of today due to protest action by community members in numerous areas.

Community members protested in Pienaar, Tekwane North, Zwelisha, Clau-Clau, KaBokweni, Embonisweni and Plaston.

No one came in or out of these areas as scores of community members barricaded the roads with burning tyres, debris, rocks and mounds of dirt.

Operators of minibus taxis and buses had to put their services on hold as there were no alternative routes.

The communities’ main concerns are services, employment and economic opportunities.

Several communities in Mpumalanga have engaged in protest action over the past week, calling for improved services, such as roads and water. Some were protesting for decent schools and admin blocks.

Community members who spoke to Lowvelder said they want services and business opportunities.

“Look at the state of our roads. There is absolutely nothing. The roads between Tekwane North, Emoyeni, Lihawu, Pienaar and Gedlembane are non-existent, and believe me, some of us are subjected to driving here every day. I do not want to talk about the lack of water in these areas. You can just go to the Karino and KaNyamazane water treatment plants and see the queues of people waiting for water there, then you will understand what we mean when we say this government has neglected us,” said a protester in Lihawu.

These sentiments were echoed in KaBokweni, which Lowvelder also visited. Protesters and some community members said they have been without water for the past few weeks.

Recently, members of various taxi associations staged a protest demanding better roads in villages in and around the CoM.

“They promised us that the road between Emoyeni and Lihawu would be attended to, but it has been a year now without any action. We are tired now, and this is just the beginning, as more protest actions are coming if we are not attended to. We are prepared to even stage a protest on May 29, because, really, what are we voting for if the roads are still like this?” said a protesting taxi operator in Lihawu.