Official reports are that the local community are unhappy with the ANC selection procedure, specifically recent appointments to ward councillor positions.

8 Factories torched

Heavy police presence in threats of more violence

120 arrested

Local and Provincial Gvt intervention

Currently an uneasy calm

Becoming and international issue - US Embassy and international shareholders

Ongoing threats of more violence

Mabuyakhulu said an office was broken into and looted of computers, chairs and other equipment. The estate employed about 20 000 people and without their income because of business shutdowns, up to 100 000 people would be affected. He said this would make life difficult for this rural community.

Another meeting was held earlier involving the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs after it emerged that one of the issues fuelling the riot was the removal and replacement of an induna by an inkosi.

Health MEC, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, said since Monday night, the ill and injured as well as staff could not reach or leave the clinic.

“There are reports that the rioters were threatening to burn down the clinic. This is totally outrageous

Three different versions of why the protests were happening emerged from people on the ground, ranging from dissatisfaction with the newly appointed indunas, to service delivery and aggression over the possible return of former Mandeni mayor BL Magwaza to the area as ward councillor.

Information suggests that as some of the newly appointed indunas work in factories and therefore they are targeting factories where these indunas work.

Already estimated R60mil damage 20 000 workers supporting 100 000 people Businesses not sufficiently insured and/or not

insured for riots Businesses with international stakeholders will be

hard pushed to re-investing in the area (possibly even in SA)

Businesses losing income (plus losing on costs of damages)

Loss of large businesses will impact smaller suppliers

No resolution has been reached

The locals refuse to engage until their comrades are released

http://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/isithebe-violence-continues-1996077

https://www.ecr.co.za/news-sport/news/violent-protests-break-out-isithebe-northern-kzn/

http://www.citizen.co.za/1025100/anarchy-as-protesters/

http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/isithebe-protest-costs-workers-dearly-1995678

Thank you for your attention Prepared and presented for KZNEIA by:

Kylie Griffin

kzneia@iafrica.com

Direct Line: 031 – 335 1041

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