Tensions mount during multiple protests in and around Mbombela
Numerous residents were affected by the protests and protesters at various locations made demands including the establishment of a school in Msholozi.
There have recently been a number of protests in and around Mbombela and these have affected people from various communities.
The community of Msholozi has been up in arms, demanding a high school, and blockaded the R40.
Their protest started on Friday April 5 and continued on Monday April 8.
During the whole of last week, the learners of Shishila Primary School in Pienaar could not attend classes due to a protest related to infrastructure.
Some ANC members marched to the January Che Masilela House, the party’s provincial offices, last Tuesday, April 2.
And on Wednesday April 3, a house was torched during a protest in Nkomazi following the death of a councillor.
In the ongoing strikes, some Msholozi community members said they are not satisfied as their issues have not yet been addressed.
Some commuters, motorists and learners were affected by the protest for a high school, as they could not reach their destinations on time.
The community members told the newspaper they decided to raise their concerns following an incident on Wednesday April 3, in which one learner of Cyril Clarke Secondary School in Matsafeni was stabbed by another.
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According to the protesters, the learners who attend the school reported being physically bullied at school. They said they are concerned about the situation there, and they want their own high school in their area.
“The reason why we are striking is because at Cyril Clarke, the learners from Msholozi are abused physically by those from Matsafeni. They make them pay to use the bathroom. We are striking for the third time now, but no action has been taken.”
A community member, Given Mochoa, who was stranded due to the protest and could not get to work, said, “The protest is not treating us well, because no warnings and updates have been made about this matter. We are working and we are expected at work, and now we are going to lose some money. The people who are striking don’t think about us as workers. We understand the issues, but things must be done accordingly. There can’t be strikes every three weeks. There are people who have businesses, and others are working.”
Marry Mthimunye, one of the business owners in Msholozi, said the protest is affecting her negatively.
“As a business owner, I am affected by this protest, because people cannot access me. The government must intervene and help us.”
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The Mpumalanga Department of Education (DoE) said it was aware of the protests, and that it was in communication with the stakeholders. The DoE’s spokesperson, Jasper Zwane, said they are currently communicating with the relevant people regarding the demands made by the community of Msholozi.
“The road is now open. We have met with the stakeholders and we are currently discussing lasting solutions. We will continue to communicate with them until we find a solution. We understand their concerns on getting a high school in their area and we agree with them. Unfortunately, the school’s construction cannot be done in a day, hence we are in communication with the stakeholders,” Zwane explained.
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He added that the learning and teaching has resumed at Shishila Primary School, and that the department will work with the school to develop a catch-up programme for the learners.
“The department is aware of the infrastructure challenges, hence it is included in the 2025/26 priority list for demolishing of the two unsafe structures and constructions of four classrooms.
The department is going to convene a meeting with the school governing body,” said Zwane.
