The MEC and Executive Mayor condemn the ongoing violent protests by residents of Sicelo community which has resulted in vandalising municipal infrastructure, damaging properties and continuing interruption of the R59 highway.

The meeting agreed to expedite the process to acquire land for site and service stands for qualifying beneficiaries. Also they agreed on expediting current and planned housing projects and other services including eradication of portable toilets.

As part of the process the meeting resolved that:

• A joint task team between the province and the municipality has been established to actualise the decisions taken
• Acquisition of land for site and services should be finalised before end of October 2017
• Appointed contractor for the completion of incomplete houses should be on site as soon as possible.
• Appointed contractor for the new housing project on Erf 78 Meyerton Farms should be on site as soon as possible.
• Finalise plans for Erf 72 Meyerton Farms and other land parcels
• For eradication of portable toilets, the contractor should start with the new ablution facilities as soon as possible.

The MEC and Executive Mayor are jointly calling on the community of Sicelo Shiceka to stop violent protest and damage to property including R59 closure and restore calm in the area. Therefore they are jointly calling on the community to allow all contractors and professionals to proceed with their contracted work without interruptions.

The South African Police Services will advise when it will be appropriate and safe to open the R59. Please use alternative routes and visit our social media network sites for further updates.

Midvaal Municipality also said on its Facebook page that the R59 Southbound has been opened.