A huge crowd gathered in front of the uThukela offices this morning (March 13), waiting patiently for the outcome of the meeting with Premier Sihle Zikalala.
Today, Premier Zikalala convened a follow-up meeting with various stakeholders, including community representatives, the business community of Ladysmith and law enforcement agencies.
The engagement was part of efforts by the provincial government delegation, which included MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism Nomusa Dube-Ncube and uThukela Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko.
An agreement was reached with all parties that demonstrations will stop with immediate effect and that full operations will resume to put an end to the impasse that had huge ramifications for the economy of the town.
Premier Zikalala briefed the stakeholders about the decision of Alfred Duma Local Municipality Mayor Vincent Madlala to take voluntary sick leave and attend to matters of ill-health.
Also read: #SiegeofLadysmith2020 – Mayor on sick leave for 2 months, says premier
The premier also announced that a forensic investigation will be launched into the affairs of the municipality that will focus on all allegations of corruption, maladministration and other related matters.
“As government, we want to announce to all the people of Alfred Duma and uThukela that a solution has been found; they can go back to work and businesses can function,” said Premier Zikalala.
He added that, “We want to express our appreciation for the cordial manner and spirit with which all stakeholders have participated in the resolution of the challenges during our engagement.”
Business and public transport in Ladysmith is expected to return to normal.
Speaking on behalf of community organisation Ubumbano Lokuthula, chairperson Andile Hlatshwayo said, “ We are very pleased about the announcement by the premier in regard to the issue of Mayor Madlala that he is on sick leave for two months and also that an investigation will be launched which will be led by a team that will be appointed soon. We are happy about the commitment the premier made that this team will be appointed within 14 days and will meet with community leaders.”
“We thank the leadership of the premier, which has shown good leadership about concerns of the people affected in Ladysmith and surroundings. We can confirm that the protest has come to a stop and everything has returned to normal from today,” said Hlatshwayo.
Also read: #SiegeofLadysmith2020 – Water is turned back on
Also read: #SiegeofLadysmith2020 – Officers begin to open Ladysmith roads
Schools will be open from Monday, and public transport will return to normal.
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