Tyres burn as residents embark on mass protest

The group from The Pines is moving down Allen Street and the group from the Amcor Dam is walking along Drakensberg Drive to join them.

September 2, 2019

Estella Naicker 1 minute read

Fires burn as residents protest against rates increases.

Eskom’s decision to disconnect the power seems to have been the last straw for residents. A group of about 300 residents from Newcastle West embarked on a protest this morning, following a community meeting at the Trim Park yesterday.

Ratepayer and businessman, Mdu Mnisi facilitated the meeting, calling for the municipality to review the property valuations and high tariffs. Residents say they refuse to ‘fund the activities of corrupt officials and politicians any longer’.

Protesters are currently on their way to the Trim Park via Allen Street.

One of the main questions residents want answers to is why the municipality owes Eskom, when ratepayers are up to date on their accounts. What is evident is that the trust between the community and the municipality has irrevocably broken down.

“Newcastle Municipality is owing Eskom. The residents of Newcastle do not owe Eskom. In fact, we have made more than we should be charged,” agreed Mnisi.

Despite agreeing to hold off with road closures yesterday, these residents are tired of handing in a memorandum, and then waiting for an answer that never comes.

“We have councillors who are supposed to object to these ridiculous increases. They are supposed to be our eyes and ears when decisions are taken. What will we do if businesses relocate because remaining in Newcastle is too expensive? We will lose our jobs! Newcastle Municipality is driving people away with high rates, high electricity and high parking meter charges,” said one protester, explaining why they have resorted to taking drastic action.”

Another said residents were ‘like sheep’, paying the municipality on time every month only to be robbed. A march to the municipality has been postponed to 9am. Protesters said they want to keep the roads closed a longer to have a ‘bigger impact’.