A message claiming there will a total shutdown of Newcastle is currently circulating via social media. The message claims that while there will be no march, participants will be picketing and burning tyres.
Allegedly, the town shutdown will be conducted by the South African Civic Organisation (SANCO). With the message, which is being circulated, there is a memorandum which states the reasons for the shutdown.
The apparent memorandum highlights the lack of service delivery as the contributing factor to the intended town shut down.
With several other issues pertaining to the municipality highlighted in the memorandum, the question remains, can Newcastillians expect a total shutdown of Newcastle?
Presently, there is no factual confirmation on whether there will be a shutdown tomorrow, January 23.
Attempts were made to contact the SANCO offices for official comment, but none was forthcoming at the time of publication.
Newcastle Mayor Dr Ntuthoko Mahlaba is encouraging people to remain calm. This follows the rumours of alleged protest actions, which he says might lead to a total disruption and impact negatively on the day to day lives of residents.
In a statement from the Newcastle Municipality, it states that the Newcastle Municipality is a public institution which is committed to serving its residents in an open, transparent and accountable manner.
“As a people-centred institution, we believe in dialogue and engagement with those we serve, the people of Newcastle. We are strongly committed to engaging with everybody that has concerns, and we believe that it can be done through constructive engagements without violent protests. We also call on upon organizers of any protest to abandon any plans to disrupt the daily operations of our residents.”
Mayor Dr Mahlaba is also concerned about the fresh threats of violence towards Newcastle residents.
“Calls for violent protests are a clear indication of backwardness, and are counter progress to the inimitable strides that we have taken to implant order and peace. As a municipality, our prime objective is to ensure that service delivery is not disrupted, and the safety of our residents remains a major concern. We don’t condone any acts of violence, but remain open to civil dialogue,” he states.
Furthermore, Cllr Mahlaba says that claims regarding the municipality being in a state of paralyses are baseless, stating that such assertions are tantamount to malice.
“Our financial reserves are showing signs of recovery, especially as we are teething towards a much healthier financial status. Residents will be kept informed of these developments. We’ve proven that our challenges are not insurmountable,” remarked Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba.
The municipality also claims it is addressing the issues mentioned in the memorandum which is currently circulating.
“We make a clarion call for residents to assess and critically scrutinise movements that selfishly serve the interests of individuals instead of the general population of Newcastle. We trust that our residents will make informed decisions,” the municipality statement states.
The municipality will work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the rumoured protest doesn’t spiral out of control.
