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KZN GOVERNMENT URGES CALM FOLLOWING ENGAGEMENTS WITH UGU PROTESTERS

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka, together with KZN MEC for Social Development Nonhlanhla Khoza, have called for calm in the Ugu district where protesters barricaded roads, including the N2 during a violent public protest.
From this morning, the two MECs met with protesters from uMzumbe, Ray Nkonyeni and Ezinqolweni residents, to engage and find peaceful ways to address public concerns over access to basic services. Since yesterday the district has seen violent protests, with residents barricading major routes, such as the N2 between Port Shepstone and Durban, the N2 between Port Shepstone and tje Eastern Cape and the R102 in Hibberdene.
The MECs have condemned the violence which saw trucks being burned, public infrastructure damaged and shops looted. In the engagement with the protesters, the MECs called upon communities to desist from damaging public infrastructure and infringing on the rights of other residents who did not wish to protest.
Emanating from the engagements with residents, a special team consisting of the aggrieved community members will now engage directly with the Provincial Government and the Ugu district family of municipalities regarding their needs. A second meeting will be convened on Tuesday where a way forward will be provided. In the meantime, the MECs will galvanise additional resources to address the challenges faced by these communities.