Angry Lindelani residents marching yesterday. Photo by Jabulani Langa
RESIDENTS took to the streets yesterday, claiming they had been locked out of a ward meeting.
People of ward 43 in Lindelani, north of Durban, demanded that eThekwini Municipality reject the outcome of Sunday’s meeting at Sondelani Sports Field, held to elect a ward committee.
The ward includes Lindelani and parts of Ntuzuma, but Lindelani residents were locked out by Ntuzuma residents and Councillor Nelisiwe Mhlongo.
Protester Wawa Mothiba (48) said: “Nobody formally announced it.
“Mhlongo was there and when we asked that she intervene, she insulted us. She said we were stupid.
“She said we didn’t know how to tell time and notices had been put on street poles to advertise the meeting.”
Mazwi Mantinga (32) said: “The councillor and her people deliberately left us out. They want to continue electing people we don’t want behind our backs.
“The councillor is rude and talks to people anyhow. We want to report to the municipality things she has done wrong.”
Mhlongo denied swearing at residents and being rude.
“When a ward committee is elected, the councillor attends as an observer, so why would I swear at them? They are also lying about not being told about the meeting,” Mhlongo said.
Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane said cops were monitoring the situation.
Municipal speaker William Mapena, according to a statement issued by the municipality, will investigate the allegations against the councillor.
“ The municipality does issue objection forms where residents are offered an opportunity to lodge a complaint to the speaker,” it said.
