The FF Plus strongly condemns the ongoing protests on one of Mpumalanga’s main tourism routes.
The province has recently been plagued by violent protest actions, which are causing the economy and especially the tourism sector severe financial losses.
The party has already asked the provincial MEC for the Department of Community Safety, Mr Vusi Shongwe, and the MEC for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Ms Nompumelelo Hlophe, to urgently step in.
The R536 and all entrances to Mkhuhlu, including the Paul Kruger Gate road, were still closed this morning due to the ongoing protests by residents of the area, who demand a better road and service delivery.
They blocked the roads with burning tyres, branches, large stones and sand.
The barricading of the road and demonstrations have been going on all week.
The R536 is one of the main arteries of Mpumalanga’s tourism sector. It leads to the most popular tourism destinations, such as the Kruger National Park.
Tourists en route to the National Park and various other lodges on nearby private reserves had no choice but to make alternative plans to reach their destinations.
The main cause of these protest actions is a lack of service delivery. Historical debt amounting to approximately R700 million owed to the Bosbokrand Local Municipality also plays a significant role.
Disputes over land ownership and land encroachment have been hindering debt collection.
The FF Plus tabled a motion in the Legislature requesting government to implement a feasible action plan to collect the debt as soon as possible.
The FF Plus also demands that all those who participate in economic terrorist acts, such as these protests, should be treated like any other criminal before the law.
The ANC government cultivated a culture of criminality among the youth in Mpumalanga and it can no longer be tolerated.
The only way to bring about change is to stand up with the FF Plus at the polls and to take a strong stand against the utter decay of the province as well as the total lack of service delivery and accountability.
Together, we can restore and rebuild South Africa.
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