Lungani Zungu
Angry residents of Umlazi T in KwaZulu-Natal went on a rampage on Monday morning, blockading roads with logs and burning tyres after being without electricity for two months.
This forced the abrupt closure of the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) and the busy Mangosuthu highway. Traffic was backed up and motorists were forced to take alternative routes.
“We have been without electricity for two months and we can’t take it anymore. If we have to block the roads every day to make our point then so be it,” said resident Sipho Mbhele.
The residents said they have held a series of meetings with government officials that have not yielded any results.
Umlazi T encompasses the notorious “17 Hostel”, which is known for housing people who are predominantly IFP members.
Mxolisi Zwane said: “There’s nothing else we can do. The only language our government understands is protesting. So we will continue to protest until the electricity is restored.”
All roads in the section were blockaded forcing workers and schoolchildren to take different routes.
eThekwini Municipality said police were deployed to calm the situation.
There was a heavy police presence after the protest, however, the residents said they would continue protesting.
“We are not fazed. We want electricity. If the government gives us that then we would stop protesting. If we don’t get it, then we carry,” said a community Mandla “Cobra” Nzama.
