Newcastle Municipality Mayor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, has thanked the residents of Newcastle for their bravery and sacrifices made to protect the town during the recent civil unrest.
“No amount of gratitude can ever express our sincere appreciation to the brave men and women who have sacrificed many nights to protect Newcastle malls, in particular across the town. I would also like to thank the Newcastle Municipality Traffic Unit, RTI and members of the SAPS,” said Mahlaba. Residents are still on high alert and continue to patrol various points around town in the cold weather, following the recent civil unrest. Patrollers were pleasantly surprised as Mayor Mahlaba also joined the SANDF on patrol on 19 July. “Tonight I joined members of the South African Defence Force as I patrolled to the various points in Newcastle to personally thank our residents for giving up many nights to protect businesses,” he said. Mahlaba commended residents on their united solidarity with one objective in mind – protecting the town. “I have witnessed a united Newcastle community in solidarity, regardless of race, gender, creed or colour. Today we have displayed what unity can achieve if we are in solidarity. The members of the SANDF have assured me that they will avail themselves whenever called to assist in difficult situations. They have also assured the community that they will help maintain the stability of our town,” he said.
He went on to say that the obligation of the municipality is to try to find solutions in a bid to restore businesses which were looted in Madadeni, Osizweni, Blaawbosch and Mdozo. “I call upon the SAPS to also speedily apprehend the instigators and ring leaders who led the despicable act of looting shops. We are calling on the swift arrest of those perpetrators and call upon members of the community to also assist the police. We also send a strong warning to those who are planning to loot the remaining shops. We want to say to them that the rule of law will prevail and justice will play its part. It is enough now, sekwanele!” said Mahlaba. Community members expressed their gratitude to the Mayor for taking the time out to meet with residents. “It was a pleasure to meet the mayor, he was very kind and down to earth and spoke to us. We gave him something to eat and it was just so nice to engage with him and listen to him give his heartfelt thanks. The love for his town was very evident,” said one of the patrollers. Operations are set to continue until 1 August.
