THE eNseleni local business community are up in arms. The 10-member group has lashed out at the leader of the Bhejane Traditional Authority, iNkosi Nokwazi Khoza, for disrupting their business operations.
They claimed to have been operating at Myingaza Business Centre, from as far back as 1988, an area which is located at the entrance to eNseleni.
This centre, according of one businessman Mzuvele Khoza, was built by the KwaZulu Finance and Development Corporation.
‘It was built to stimulate local economic development. We have been operating our small businesses there for many years without any disruptions. We were shocked to learn in 2013 that iNkosi Khoza has changed the centre from a business sector into a rental housing unit. We have nowhere to conduct our businesses now and this does not bode well for economic growth.
‘What disturbed us most is that this centre in built in a township, not in a rural area where iNkosi Khoza has a say on what goes on. We view this as an unwarranted interference on the part of iNkosi Khoza who, we believe, should be looking after the people of rural Bhejane.
‘We firmly believe that this centre is under the City of uMhlathuze, not under traditional leadership.
iNkosi Khoza cannot take unilateral decisions on such matters, without convening a community meeting.
‘We are also unhappy about the threatening elements involved in this issue. Some izinduna are threatening us, which is affecting our lives as we have begun smelling poverty,’ he said.
City of uMhlathuze Communications Manager, Mdu Ncalane could not be reached for comment.
INkosi Khoza refused to comment on the matter, saying she had nothing to say.
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