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The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing illegal protests in uMngeni that are being allegedly orchestrated by the ANC.

Last week, a transformer blew due to overloading as a result of illegal connections. The municipality then sent officials to inspect electricity meters that would then allow the municipality to be able to repair the transformer. It is unfortunate that the ANC has decided to use this as a campaigning opportunity.

We have seen photographic evidence of an ANC vehicle that was part of the protest and have also seen a video of ANC members handing out food parcels to the protesters.

As a result of this protest, services in the municipality have been brought to a standstill. Municipal offices have had to be closed and some areas are still inaccessible.

It is infuriating that the ANC does not want to accept defeat and would rather disrupt service delivery out of their desperate need for power.

We will be writing to Sihle Zikalala in his capacity as the Chairperson of the ANC in the province to request that he gets his comrades in line.

We will also be taking a strong stance against those found responsible for spearheading this protest.

It is time that the ANC accepts defeat in uMngeni and allow the DA to show them how to successfully run a municipality that puts residents and service delivery first.

Issued by Francois Rodgers, MPL - DA KZN Leader