Thousands in Folweni wait for ANC leaders
The community of Folweni has started descending onto the local sports ground where they are expected to be addressed by regional ANC leadership.
The area has been gripped by violent protests which began on Monday.
They want Mthokozisi Xulu removed from the top of the ANC's nomination list for the municipal elections and replaced with Sisulu Xumayo who they believe can do a better job of delivering services.
Nearly a thousand residents have already arrived at the sports ground. They’ve been chanting, singing and shouting slogans that suggest that they will accept no other resolution on the matter.
Today’s emergency meeting was called by the leadership of the ANC after the protesters went on the rampage for two days, burning a newly-built fire station, school office, a Public Works office and a number of trucks. Several police vehicles have also been damaged.
Newswatch spoke to some locals who say they've been waiting since noon and they're not budging until the ANC comes to speak to them.
"All we need is for someone to tell us that the councillor is being removed. That's all we want. If that doesn't happen we will continue protesting," one resident said.
"The community are the ones who should choose their own representatives. That way we can listen to them and trust them," another added.
The situation remains volatile in the township. When entering the township earlier, our reporter had to make use of alternative routes as the main roads are impassable because they are littered with huge rocks and various burning objects.
At one of the roads, a crowd of over 100 angry locals were barricading the route and chased reporters away while hurling stones and other missiles towards them.
