KwaZenzele informal settlement residents protest for houses
The total damage is unknown at this stage, but the road is open and the situation has calmed down.
The residents of KwaZenzele informal settlement shut down the R59 as part of their protest against the Lesedi Local Municipality and Canyon Coal.
The residents allege that the municipality sold the land which their houses were going to be built on to Canyon Coal.
Also read: Meeting fruitful between mining company and community
During the protest, a vehicle was completely burnt out and KwaZenzele Satellite Library was set alight.
Bongane Primary School was closed and only two learners from KwaZenzele attended Endicott Primary School on Monday.
Responding on behalf of canyon Coal, Xolile Mankayi, said the rumour the land had been sold to Canyon Coal is completely devoid of truth.
“We are concerned that there are people who are undermining social stability by spreading wrong information,• says Mankayi.
She went on to urge the community to channel their concerns through the correct platform.
“We have established a community forum where we interact with community leaders.
“Had the community referred their concerns there, they would have received the correct information.
“We are also aware that community members are demanding jobs and we understand the frustration of the community about insufficient job opportunities, given the fact that unemployment now stands at 27. 5 percent nationally.
“We also understand that for companies to invest and create jobs, social stability is crucial and we would like to work with communities to achieve stability, growth and economic development in the area.
“Communities should assist in creating a conducive environment for investment and job creation,” says Mankayi.
Mankayi says they will continue to engage the community forum about the concerns raised during protest and to ensure that the community has access to the correct information
The total damage is unknown at this stage, but the road is open and the situation has calmed down.
Springs police spokesperson Capt Johannes Ramphora says no arrests have been made yet.
A media enquiry was sent to the municipality regarding the residents’ allegations, but they did not respond at the time of going to print.
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