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On Friday, 16 July 2021, the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and the Amajuba District family of municipalities (Newcastle, Dannhauser and Emadlangeni) visited the affected vandalised, looted businesses in the greater parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Assessing the damages while jointly calling for calm amongst communities, the group further engaged with the business sector, offering support to people driving initiatives to clean and rebuild the Amajuba District and its economy.
“We began our fact-finding mission with a key stakeholder meeting with the regional security cluster, which included the South African Police Services and the Municipal Traffic Unit, business organisations and the Newcastle Growth Coalition. The discussions were centred around establishing the course of the recent looting, the role of government and recommendations,” stated Newcastle Mayor Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba.
As reported on last week Wednesday, 14 July 2021—The Newcastillian – Online News covered the destruction unleashed on several factories in Madadeni, Northern KwaZulu-Natal. Destruction which will now see thousands of people being left unemployed.
Referring to the devastation, Cllr Dr Mahlaba said, “I am saddened to report that the textile industry in Newcastle will suffer a major setback, as it was beginning to show signs of recovery since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. I have interacted with the owners of the factories and have committed to exhaust all avenues in the form of facilitating assistance from both government and the private sector.”
The Newcastle Mayor claims he has also assured factory owners that as a government entity, their main priority is to safeguard jobs, boost investor confidence and strengthen work relations between the factories and the municipality. “Our immediate goal and plan include meeting the Chinese Chamber of Commerce as soon as possible,” he said.
Furthermore, the local brewery (SAB) and wholesaler were also not spared by the looters. As the Newcastle Mayor explains, “The business is also a key employment driver within Newcastle, and potentially would have seen more employed. I witnessed operating trucks torched and the entire business brought to the ground. The Madadeni Boxer Centre, Shoprite store and the Eyethu Mall were also torched and looted.”
Concluding it was confirmed, communities need not stockpile as people can be assured that the government and private sector will ensure sufficient food and fuel supply.
With plans now in action to rebuild and communities banding together against perpetrators, what are your thoughts on the matter?
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