“We will not back down” – irate Pilgrim protesters

Following the protest held at Pilgrim Informal Settlement in Isipingo, on 11 May, residents took to the streets on Old Main Road once again on Tuesday. This time, there were more tyres burnt. The protest began around 3pm on Tuesday, due to the lack of communication from the Human Settlement Department and the ward 90 councillor, Sunil Brijmohan.

According to irate residents, Human Settlement MEC, Thanduxolo Sabela promised to meet with the committee on Thursday afternoon last week, but did not attend. The councillor was the only one who attended. Residents stated Sabela sent a message to apologise and committed to meet with residents on Tuesday, 18 May. Residents gathered at the park to meet him, but he did not show up once again. His actions angered the residents who had been waiting for more than five hours at the park. According to one of the committee members Mthobisi Gasa, residents are not willing to back down until Sabela answers their call for a meeting.

When asked if the municipality is aware of the protest, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said, “Yes, we are aware of the project. It is currently at a detailed planning phase. The project comprised of 402 units. We have tried to engage with the community, on numerous occasions, since the beginning of the protests last week, however, the community is not willing to start the discussions. The City will attempt to have a meeting with community at a later stage.”

The SUN’s attempts to contact councillor Brijmohan proved futile.

ALSO READ: Irate Isipingo residents call for service delivery during protest

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