uMlazi protest over candidate shocks ANC

Published May 4, 2016

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Durban - The protest in uMlazi, over an ANC election candidate, which prevented many residents from getting to work, was premature and unnecessary because the party was still busy with its shortlisting process.

Protesters early on Tuesday blockaded Sibusiso Mdakane Road, a main thoroughfare in the township, burning tyres, breaking beer bottles and toppling rocks on to the road.

The were unhappy with the shortlisting of sitting Ward 80 councillor, Mthokizisi Nojiyeza. Bheki Ntuli, ANC eThekwini secretary, said four names were selected by the community.

He said the ANC was shocked by the protest and said it had received no prior complaints about Nojiyeza’s shortlisting.

Nojiyeza could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.

Ntuli said: “Members of the community know that the channels of communication are open and all councillors and candidates are chosen by the community.

“We are shocked that people have taken to the streets because we are not at a stage where the councillor has been chosen,” he said.

Ntuli said the process for determining councillors went through party processes and was also open to the community.

A resident said on Tuesday that people could not go to work because of intimidation by the protesters.

The local taxi rank was blocked by rocks, causing buses and other vehicles to use alternative routes to get out of the area.

Police spokesman, Major Thulani Zwane, said about 2 000 people took part in the protest. He said the public order police and uMlazi police were monitoring the situation.

Some police officers were seen sweeping the streets in an attempt to clear them.

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