eNgcobo in the Eastern Cape remains at a standstill for a fourth day, with residents demanding the removal of the municipal manager over allegations of corruption, nepotism and poor service delivery.
Residents under the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality took to the streets earlier this week, shutting down schools and businesses and disrupting traffic along the R61.
ALSO READ: DA to lay criminal charges against managers of ten worst performing municipalities
They have accused Municipal Manager Khathutshelo Mulaudzi of failing to address service delivery problems during his four years in office.
While no protest has been reported on Friday, tensions remain high as residents insist he must go.
Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation Chairperson Gcobani Nkwele said that their dispute with the municipality has been dragging on since last year.
“The fight started last year and nothing happened. Now it’s 2026 and we are still saying the same thing. We decided it was best to close down the town, the businesses and the municipality. As we speak, we are on day four of the lockdown, and there is nothing happening business-wise in the municipality.”
Nkwele said that residents understand the shutdown is hurting the local economy, but they are prepared to continue with their action until their demands are addressed.
“We knew from day one that this was going to have very bad implications. But what made it easy for us is that even the businesses themselves were part of what is going on. They were in the meeting and rendered their full support to make sure that this goes on.”
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape government has given itself a month to get to the bottom of issues fuelling protests and shutdowns in eNgcobo.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane has ordered the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC to investigate allegations surrounding the management of Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality.
The shutdowns this week brought schools and businesses to a standstill and disrupted traffic along the R61.
The Premier directed that all investigation reports be made public.
Spokesperson Sonwabo Mbananga said, “The Premier’s position is very clear: allegations must be investigated, and facts must be established whether you are a politician or a civil servant or a municipal employee. If wrongdoing is established, consequence management must follow. Nobody is above the law or the government prescripts that regulate out institutions.”
Mbananga said police are on high alert to restore normality in the town.
“Government fully respects the Constitutional right to peaceful protest, but that right cannot be exercised by taking away the rights of others. Learners must be allowed to attend school, workers must be able to go to work, and businesses must be allowed to operate.”
Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen.
Ntuthuzelo Nene
www.ewn.co.za