The threat of a complete shutdown in Newcastle has been averted.
Deputy chairman of the Newcastle Business and Residents Forum (NBRF), SW Scott, confirmed that his organisation had a successful meeting with the ‘Newcastle Deserves Better’ group, and persuaded its leaders that a complete shutdown would have a catastrophic effect on Newcastle’s struggling economy.
Rev Scott further confirmed that the message being shared on social media regarding the outcome of the meeting is correct.
While roads from Madadeni and oSizweni will be blocked by protestors, all other access roads to Newcastle will remain open.
Emergency vehicles will not be denied access along any route, and schools will not be affected.
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The NBRF advised businesses that employ staff who travel to work from Madadeni or oSizweni to prepare for the possibility that they may have to leave home earlier or stay at home tomorrow.
‘Newcastle Deserves Better’ was subsequently invited to join the NBRF, where the organisation can use legal means to obtain its objectives of a better Newcastle for all.
Asked if he was concerned about that the leaders’ political stance is in conflict with the NBRF’s objective to remain apolitical, Rev Scott said that political agendas would not be entertained at the NBRF, but citizens who were keen on improving service delivery and working with the municipality could benefit from working together and keeping the conversation going.
