MEC condemns violent protests in Mvutshini

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda has strongly condemned the destruction of public property in the Mvutshini area following the recent violent public protest.

The protest resulted in the torching of a creche and children’s play area.

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Mr Kaunda visited the area last Friday, accompanied by Ray Nkonyeni Municipality mayor Cynthia Mqwebu, Ugu acting mayor Phumlile Mthiyane, senior officials and law enforcement agencies.

The MEC called upon members of the community to refrain from damaging public property if they wanted to raise genuine service delivery concerns with government.

The community’s grievances included water shortages, housing and poor road infrastructure.

During the meeting, Mr Kaunda assured protesters that provincial government was working closely with Ugu District Municipality and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality to ensure that these challenges were speedily addressed.

Water supply had been restored, the Department of Human Settlements was currently implementing Phase 3 of the housing development project and, according to the MEC, the Department of Transport had already begun to repair all gravel roads.

However some were not convinced, asking why they should believe that this time the promises would be kept when they had been let down in the past.

“They’ve cut our water for months with no explanation, and the roads are in a terrible state. We grew up under these circumstances – nothing has ever changed,” said one community member.

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