The budget conference, which council members of the Metro, including Democratic Alliance councillor Mokgadi Kganakga attended, was meant to discuss what the budget (to be tabled later today) entails.

Kganakga tells OFM News that 30 minutes into the commencement of the conference, they were interrupted by protestors, claiming to be Solid Waste employees demanding payment.

The councillors were trapped inside the conference room for a while.

OFM News has sent an enquiry to the Metro’s spokesperson and is awaiting a response.

Kganakga explained that they were held hostage yesterday for about ten minutes, if not more.

She and other councillors were escorted out of the room to ensure their safety.

The police, who were also on the ground, assisted with clearing the crowd quickly.

Kganakga further stated it is at the moment unclear if the protestors were demanding their salaries or payment for overtime.

ALSO READ: Mangaung Metro under scrutiny over alleged late-payments

A video has been making rounds on social media, which shows protestors in orange overalls – allegedly Public Employment Program (PEP) employees.

It was previously alleged that the employees have not been paid since the commencement of their employment in February.

It was last month when some of these employees barricaded the entry and exit points of the Braam Fischer building, the Metro’s headquarter.

ALSO READ: Mangaung set to vote on budget

The metro will today table its budget after postponing it earlier this week. The postponement was due to threats of disruptions. The Metro’s executive Mayor, Mxolisi Siyonzana will deliver the budget despite the hostage drama that unfolded yesterday. The pressure group, Mangaung Concerned Community (MCC) previously revealed the Metro has not held any engagements with the community for their input on the budget. MCC leader, Themba Zweni stated he was informed by the management of the metro that such engagements have been held. In response, Zweni and the group asked for the proof to support their statement such as minutes of the meeting and signatures of residents who attended.

OFM News