Anna Majavu
Anna Majavu
Scores of protesters yesterday disrupted work at the construction site of the R350million "Guguletu Square" mall, demanding that the developers employ local residents.
The residents had earlier rejected a proposal by prominent local businessman and mall developer Mzoli Ngcawuzele that ANC ward councillors Andile Matshikiza and Belinda Landingwe choose the residents who will get jobs on the site.
Guguletu backyard dwellers leader Mcedisi Twalo said: "We don't want interference by ward councilors and political parties in the job selection."
Last week the local people marched on "Mzoli's Place", a restaurant owned by the same Ngcawuzele, calling on him to stop what they called "intimidation" against them.
This after Ngcawuzele had allegedly interrupted a community meeting and warned residents that former uMkhonto we Sizwe members were deployed at the development with security guards to prevent any form of protest that could delay construction.