Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has directed urgent interventions to address
the issues underlying the ongoing protests and shutdowns in Ngcobo, while reiterating that the
rights of learners, workers, businesses and other residents must be protected.
The meeting considered the situation in Ngcobo and, in particular, the unhappiness raised by
protestors concerning the Municipal Manager of Dr. AB Xuma Local Municipality. The Premier
has been briefed that some of the issues of contention relate to ongoing matters of
consequence management between Dr. AB Xuma Local Municipality, as the employer, and
certain municipal employees.
Premier Mabuyane has consequently directed the MEC for CoGTA to institute a process to
establish the facts surrounding the allegations being made against the Municipal Manager, engage further with the affected workers on the issues they have raised, and ensure that these
matters are addressed through appropriate governance and labour processes.
The Premier has further directed that a report on the allegations of wrongdoing against the
Municipal Manager must be made available within one calendar month. In the interests of
transparency and accountability, the Premier has also directed the MEC for CoGTA to ensure
that all investigation reports relating to alleged wrongdoing within Dr AB Xuma Local
Municipality are released to the public, subject to applicable legal requirements.
“Where allegations are made, they must be properly investigated and the facts established.
Equally, whether one is a politician, civil servant or municipal employee, where wrongdoing or
transgression of governance prescripts and the laws of the Republic is established,
consequence management is non-negotiable,” said Premier Mabuyane.
The Premier reiterated his support for the Constitutional right to peaceful protest, particularly where protestors seek to raise legitimate concerns. He cautioned, however, that the exercise of this right must remain within the law and cannot be allowed to infringe upon the rights of thers.
“The right to protest peacefully is protected by our Constitution. But that right does not extend
to preventing children from attending school, stopping people from going to work or compelling businesses to close. Protestors themselves have an obligation to observe the rule of law and respect the rights of others,” said the Premier.
To this end, Premier Mabuyane has directed the MEC for Community Safety, working together
with the SAPS and other relevant authorities, to ensure that there are no further disruptions to
schooling or the lawful conduct of commerce in Ngcobo.
“Our responsibility as government is twofold: we must listen and act where legitimate concerns
are raised, and at the same time uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all residents.
These responsibilities are not mutually exclusive,” said Premier Mabuyane. he Provincial Government will continue working with the Chris Hani District Municipality and
Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality to address the matters raised and restore normality in Ngcobo.
