A huge chunk of change was lost in man hours and production when violent Isithebe protesters left a burning ghost town in their wake as they moved in a wave of rage.
Hundreds of jobs were temporarily suspended by the burning down of three factories and Isithebe was still partially covered in a blanket of smoke by lunch time.
Every single business in Isithebe shut down for the day and the streets were completely deserted after the public order police drove them back into the residential area.
Protesters also burnt eight large truck trailers, some fully loaded with furniture, and two bakkies that were parked outside a factory.
Mandeni Mayor, Siphesihle Zulu said he was disappointed that hundreds of school kids were kept from learning as schools in the area remained closed.
ANC Ilembe district leader, Ricardo Mthembu condemned the violence and said they were not yet sure what the reason for the protests was but they will have a community meeting before the end of the week to find out the motive for the unrest and address it.
Three different versions of why the protests were happening emerged from speaking to people on the ground, ranging from dissatisfaction with the newly appointed indunas, to service delivery and aggression over the possible return of former Mandeni mayor, B L Magwaza returning to the area as ward councilor.
WATCH: ANC Ilembe chairperson believes a “third hand” was behind these protests, aiming to destabilise the ANC.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
