GALLERY: Violent riots grip Jozini

The rioters are protesting over water shortages, water meter installation, and an employment shortage

May 25, 2016

Tamlyn Jolly 1 minute read

Jozini town was completely cut off and shut down on Tuesday as rioting community members burned tyres, destroyed infrastructure and threatened anyone attempting to work

JOZINI residents and business owners are fearing the worst, as the town was brought to a standstill on Tuesday and Wednesday by rioters threatening to continue their protest action indefinitely, until their demands are met.
According to Acting Director of Community Services at Jozini Municipality, John Khumalo, the main issue is water.
The rioters are demanding stand pipes and are disputing the installation of water meters.

‘We are trying to make them see that we need to install water meters so we can quantify how much water is being used and lost to leaks,’ said Khumalo.

On Tuesday the rioters blocked every entry into Jozini with burning tyres, trees, rocks and other debris, completely cutting off the town and forcing a shut down.
‘All the shops are closed, the petrol station has run out of petrol and people are being threatened with violence if they go to work,’ said a resident who asked to remain anonymous.

The second issue is one of employment. The rioters are complaining that Jozini Mall does not employ residents of ward 7, in which the mall is situated. ‘Although we, as government, say all South Africans should have access to employment in their local areas, we cannot dictate how private enterprises go about employing people,’ said Khumalo.
Police officers on Tuesday night unblocked the roads, which were re-barricaded by rioters on Wednesday morning.
While the situation is likely to remain volatile, on Wednesday morning Jozini could be accessed from the north but not from the N2.
While the riots have negatively affected tourism businesses situated on Jozini Dam, they are reportedly managing by helping each other where they can, and accessing the dam from the Golela side.
COGTA (Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs) officials on Tuesday met with the rioters, to determine their complaints, and MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube is scheduled to meet with them next Tuesday.