Protesters plan to shut ‘Dubai’ down
They will also call for a complete overhaul of the revised property valuations, which has led to astronomical rates increases, and a relook at imposed tariff increases.
UPDATE: March to shut down ‘Dubai’ called off
Protesters, who say repeated attempts to be heard are falling on deaf ears at the municipality, will intensify their efforts this week.
Community activists representing the Moonlight Business Hub are planning to invade ‘Dubai’ (the municipal buildings were scornfully nicknamed by staff, after the country which former Mayor, Afzul Rehman, relocated to. Cllr Rehman urged for the building to be constructed, even though it meant incurring massive debt), urging residents to join them at a ‘mass sit-in’ from 10am on Friday.
The frustration over a lack of public engagement, which was expressed by the activists, was further fuelled when acting Municipal Manager, Muzi Mayisela, invited them to a meeting to discuss their concerns, and then failed to arrive at the meeting without apology.
Lindokuhle Mthanti and Advocate, Mzwandile Simelane arrived at the MM’s office at 9am on Thursday, only to find out Mayisela had called in sick.
No attempt had been made to cancel or re-schedule the meeting, according to Mthanthi, and municipal staff said they did not know how to help them further.
Collen Dlamini, the owner of Moonlight College, later said the municipality had contacted him to cancel the appointment Mayisela had made with Mthanti: “I was out of the country and could not contact Mthanti, but I don’t understand why they didn’t communicate directly with the person they made the appointment with.”
One of the issues the activists mean to address is the flaws within the parking meter system.
They will also call for a complete overhaul of the revised property valuations, which has led to astronomical rates increases, and a relook at imposed tariff increases.
“We are not seeking attention. We are seeking service delivery and accountability. If you have been unfaithful to your citizens, you must go back to the table and renew your vows,” said Adv Simelane.
“On August 23, Newcastle Municipality can expect to be put ‘under administration’ by its citizens. Newcastle belongs to all who live in it. We will go to the municipality with our camping chairs, prepared to remain there as long as it takes for us to be heard. We will occupy the offices. We will make it so ungovernable, the MEC will have to call for a complete re-election of the council.”
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