Eastern Cape COGTA MEC Zolile Williams was forced to abandon a public address in Ngcobo on 12 August after being heckled and insulted by protesters during a community shutdown. The protest, which began on 11 August, has brought the town to a standstill as residents demand the immediate removal of municipal manager Khathutshelo Mulaudzi.
The Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation, which is leading the industrial action, claims that Mulaudzi has engaged in a campaign of intimidation against municipal staff. Protesters highlighted specific grievances regarding the potential dismissal of seven traffic officers who had previously raised concerns about internal administrative practices.
“For the past three years Mulaudzi has been trying to dismiss about seven traffic officers for raising legitimate concerns,” said Gcobani Nkwele, chairperson of the Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation.
The unrest has been building for months, with residents alleging persistent issues with service delivery, nepotism, and the mismanagement of local infrastructure projects. Taxi operators joined the protests on 12 August, intensifying the disruption across the town’s primary business routes and transit hubs.
Following the failed engagement, MEC Williams expressed frustration at the refusal of the community to participate in dialogue. “I can’t help them if they are not prepared to listen to someone else. When they are ready to talk, I’m still available to assist,” Williams stated.
On 13 August, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane officially directed the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to launch a formal investigation into the allegations surrounding Mulaudzi. The directive also mandates that the provincial government engage directly with affected municipal workers to resolve the ongoing labour dispute.
The situation remains volatile, and it is currently unknown whether the municipal administration will suspend the manager pending the outcome of the provincial inquiry. Our reporter will monitor the next meeting between community leaders and provincial officials to determine if the shutdown will be lifted.