The situation is calm in the Makhoba and Mzongwana areas in Matatiele in southern KwaZulu-Natal where community protests have disrupted schooling in 25 schools over the past week.
Schools have been shut down since Monday. Roads leading to a local police station and two clinics were being dug out by community members who are demanding water, electricity and roads.
They have threatened not to vote in the upcoming local government elections if their demands are not met.
On Friday, the Mayor of Matatiele Local Municipality Momelezi Mbedla held a meeting with representatives of the community where he introduced a contractor that will repair the roads.
Mbedla has called on community members to be patient whilst negotiations continue.
