Sol Plaatje municipality aims to interdict city shutdown

SOL PLAATJE municipal manager Thapelo Matlala intends to obtain an urgent interdict to prevent the city shutdown from proceeding on Monday, amid widespread concerns that the matric final exams will be disrupted.

He also criticised the use of burning tyre images on posters advertising the shutdown as “incitement of public violence”.

“Everything possible will be done to avert a shutdown. All stakeholders including taxi associations are against it,” Matlala said.

While a number of taxi associations have indicated that they will not be taking part in the shutdown on Monday, the Kimberley Action Group said the protest would go ahead as planned.

Some taxi operators, however, stated that they would join the campaign against high electricity prices, poor service delivery, unresolved taxi-related issues and calls for the removal of the mayor.

Many community members have also committed to showing support for the protest action.

Boyce Makodi from the Kimberley Action Group insisted that they would not be bullied or “easily intimidated”.

He added that a last-ditch effort to call off the shutdown at the council chambers on Wednesday was “evidently staged” to include stakeholders who opposed the shutdown.

“We remain resolute in pushing forward as we are dealing with a just cause.”

Makodi gave assurances that their actions would be “peaceful and respectful”.

“Matric pupils and essential workers will be protected. Stakeholders will ensure that all matrics are seated for their exams. The majority of those who are pushing the matric exams narrative are afraid of being held accountable and are undermining residents.”

Makodi added that they were still awaiting feedback in response to a list of grievances that were forwarded to the MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs as well as the Premier’s Office.

He pointed out that the mayor had confirmed the implementation of the basic and capacity charges on electricity, which would “cripple residents”.

“We have demanded that council formally reverse this decision to ensure that these charges are completely removed from our pricing structure. We await confirmation on this point.”

Makodi added that a meeting would be held on Sunday to finalise plans for the shutdown.

The leader of Kimberley se Kinders Taxi Association, Jeremiah Moshimane, said they did not support the shutdown.

“We need to think about the future of our children who are writing their finals. We can’t afford not to work, as the taxi industry is also struggling to put food on the table. We have no idea how long a shutdown will last. Our vehicles may be damaged if violence erupts, which means we will not be able to earn a living,” said Moshimane.

The chairperson of Thusano Taxi Association, Xolisile Qalinga, added that it was “irresponsible” to stage a shutdown.

“We were never part of this nonsense. We want the matric examinations to continue and want business to be brought to the city through the Miss Teen Universe next week,” he said.

Kimberley Local Taxi Association chairperson Thami Gabuza stated that it would be “business as usual” for their operators on Monday.

Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nocci) CEO Sharon Steyn believed the city could not afford another shutdown.

“Businesses will operate as usual on a ‘no work, no pay’ basis. We fully understand the frustrations highlighted but are of the opinion that all grievances can be resolved in a peaceful manner,” said Steyn.

She added that the upcoming Miss Teen Universe pageant that is scheduled to take place in Kimberley would be placed in jeopardy should the shutdown go ahead.

“If the shutdown extends beyond Monday, this international event that will attract investment and spin-offs for the city will have to be cancelled. Hotels and tourism venues have already been fully booked. Guests from all over the world will start arriving in the city from next week. The organisers could have chosen to host this event anywhere, yet they chose Kimberley,” Steyn pointed out.

The spokesperson for the mayor, Keobakile Musunse, said there was “strong consensus” to avoid the protest, particularly due to the matric exams and the Miss Teen Universe grand finale on November 9 as well as build-up activities that would be held in the city.

“After long and intense deliberations, the Kimberley Action Group committed to reconsider going ahead with the planned shutdown. They will consult with their constituencies and report back to the municipality,” said Musunse.

She added that the mayor would engage with the Kimberley Action Group to address their concerns, particularly regarding electricity charges.

“The executive mayor will facilitate an urgent meeting with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to confirm that electricity is being charged according to the approved tariffs. The mayor has emphasised the need for calm and collaboration and is urging all stakeholders to unite in preventing any disruptions.”

Meetings are ongoing to resolve the grievances of the Kimberley Action Group.