KZN MEC appeals for calm in Isithebe
KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Mike Mabuyakhulu is calling for calm in Isithebe following violent protests in the north coast town.
Mabuyakhulu is visiting the town in the Mandeni Municipality after several factories, trucks and containers were torched. Protestors are unhappy over an Induna in the area and the selection of candidates ahead of the local government elections.
Mabuyakhulu says officials are working towards normalising the situation.
Also read: Violent Isithebe protests continue
"The issues had nothing to do with the work environment. I want to say that we are making a call to all the people of this area to remain calm. The leadership is dealing with the issues that we understand to be the cause of the unhappiness," he said.
Mabuyakhulu says the violence has brought the town to halt.
"We want to get the factories back in working condition. We are worried of course that as we speak all of the factories are closed, meaning that these factories employ more than 90 000 people.
"So what stands in danger right now is that there are people who are supposed to be earning a living through their own work in these factories who many of those people unfortunately are not working because of the current situation," he said.
(Photo: IPSS Medical Rescue)