The Durban Metro Police successfully restored order and re-opened roads in and around the Durban Central Business District (CBD) following a service delivery protest that erupted in the city centre on Tuesday morning.
The demonstration, fuelled by frustrations over the on-going eThekwini municipal workers strike, led to road closures and disruptions as residents took to the streets to voice their concerns.
Residents from the Thokoza Hostel and neighbouring flats on Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street expressed their discontent by setting tires ablaze and leaving uncollected refuse strewn across the thoroughfares. The protest highlighted the growing tension surrounding the municipal workers’ strike, which has been a point of contention for the local community.
According to Boysie Zungu, spokesperson for the Durban Metro Police, law enforcement successfully intervened to disperse the protesters, leading to the re-opening of previously affected roads. Mr Zungu assured the public that visible policing and ongoing monitoring efforts would be maintained in the vicinity to prevent any potential resurgence of unrest.
He said in addition there were about 20 Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) members who had gathered peacefully at the Durban City Hall.
“CCTV cameras and police are monitoring. There have been no problems so far with these guys,” he said.
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said further updates would be communicated at a media briefing.
The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) issued a statement on Monday calling on all workers to report to work.
“On March 7 we had an engagement with the executive mayor where an agreement was reached to hold a workshop on benchmarking and salary levels. On March 11 in a meeting facilitated by the Minister of Cogta we further agreed that Cogta shall facilitate the workshop. The processes of the workshop already started on 11 March and the report shall be shared within 14 days,” read the statement.
“However, it is necessary to alert members that the interim interdict remains in place until the return date where we shall argue for dismissal of the Interdict. Members are urged to continue to report for work at their depots on a daily basis. Whenever there is any update the office bearers shall convene membership meetings and shall issue communication,” said general secretary, Dumisane Magagula.
