Mayor, Cllr James Nxumalo has cautioned eThekwini residents against using violence and the vandalisation of public infrastructure as a way of raising grievances about matters of concern and service delivery protest. Nxumalo was speaking to residents of Khulula North area in Newlands, following protests by residents demanding the erection of speed humps.

This was after a death of child. The protest was sparked by the death of a two-year old child after a car plunged into a group of children and residents blockaded the road with burning tyres and debris.

Nxumalo today, 22/07/2013, visited the victim’s family and the scene to sympathise with the grieving family and addressed residents about their concerns.

He said “We are saddened and upset by the situation here but we want to assure the community that measures are already in place to address the situation in order to prevent a recurrence of this disastrous incident. We can confirm now that we are finalising the process of constructing speed humps in the area. We appeal to road users, particularly motorists, to obey the rules of the road and be considerate of pedestrians and other road users.”

Nxumalo went on to appeal to residents to respect and be patient with law enforcement agencies and avoid taking the law into their hands. “I want to urge our people to avoid using violent strikes and destruction of public infrastructure when they want to raise their views and concerns. Our offices are always open and Ward Councillors are also available to assist communities.”

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Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit. For more information contact Municipal Spokesperson Thabo Mofokeng on 031 311 4820 or 0827317456 or e-mail mofokengthabo@durban.gov.za or Aphelele Ntumbu on 084 7103663 or email aphelele.ntumbu@durban.gov.za

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