Early yesterday morning (July 16), MEC for CoGTA Mr Sipho Hlomuka – accompanied by uThukela District Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko, Okhahlamba Mayor M Ndlangisa, uThukela District Speaker PG Strydom and councillors – visited the towns of Winterton and Bergville.
The purpose was to engage with the leadership of the municipality, civil society, residents and law enforcement agencies on the impact of the current unrest that has been witnessed around the district.
During the visits, MEC Hlomuka saluted the solidarity between the communities and law enforcement agencies, as they have worked together to prevent public violence and damage to property within the Bergville and Winterton areas.
Community members, business owners and other stakeholders have stepped forward to stop the looting and supported those affected by food security.
The towns of Winterton and Bergville remain largely intact as a result of the actions of these stakeholders.
The leadership took a walkabout to the shops and engaged with business owners.
Meanwhile, the District Champion, MEC Nomsa Dube-Ncube, also visited the Defy factory in the Pieters Industrial Area, where looters left millions of rands worth of damages behind. A number of Defy’s warehouses were forcefully entered, severely looted and vandalised.
The MEC was accompanied by District Mayor Mazibuko, Deputy Mayor N Mchunu, MPLs Hon Mbali Frazer and Hon Otto Kunene, Alfred Duma Mayor Vincent Madlala and Inkosi Sithole.
MEC Dube-Ncube was saddened by the state of the Ezakheni Plaza, as all the shops were looted and some were even set on fire.
Mayor Mazibuko called for peace and stability following these riots that have had a negative impact on the economy of the district. “We condemn the acts of criminality and destroying of infrastructure. The district is depressed by the damage and looting of shops. and the Defy Appliances factory,” Mayor Mazibuko said.
He appealed to the residents to refrain from any acts of violence and criminality, expressing his deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones and wishing a speedy recovery to those who were directly and indirectly affected by the unrest. “We are calling upon all communities and stakeholders to work together towards restoring unity and social cohesion. Let us speak in one voice of calm, peace and love for one another and rebuild our district,” he concluded.
Also read: Defy denies giving looters any appliances
Mayor Mazibuko extended warm appreciation to all the law enforcement agencies, disaster management units and residents who have been involved in protecting the lives and assets of our people.
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