Tensions flared at the entrance of popular East London hangout spot Marina Glen, otherwise known as Ebuhlanti, when the “braai masters” were forcefully removed by Buffalo City Metro law enforcement officials on Saturday.
The metro then issued a stern warning: anyone found occupying the area unlawfully would face criminal charges.
The women forcefully entered the incomplete multimillion-rand project on Friday, complaining the alternative nearby braai spot nearby, Little Mauritius, was unsuitable due to limited space and this discouraged patrons.
Marina Glen, before being closed last year to allow for planned R70m upgrades, was where the braai masters generated their income.
Braai entrepreneur Zodidi Maxaza, said: “I started my business in 2008, braaiing meat for a living.
We decided to move back to Ebuhlanti because we saw there was no construction happening
“We were moved to Little Mauritius last year, and we were all hoping the upgrades would not last too long.
“We decided to move back to Ebuhlanti because we saw there was no construction happening, and the place is much better than where we have been working for the past 18 months.”
She said the gates of Ebuhlanti had not been closed and locked on Friday, so they had decided to move back in.
“We carried on with our business at Ebuhlanti because we saw the construction company was not working — and it has not been working for some weeks now.
“We are struggling. We are always fighting over space at Little Mauritius. “We want BCM to open Ebuhlanti because it is how we sustain our livelihoods.”
Maxaza said some women had moved their stations to just outside Buccaneers.
“But we are risking our lives when we are scattered all over. We prefer being together in a place that is conducive and safe.”
Bukelwa Menziwa said Little Mauritius is unsafe for them.The, on Saturday, metro law enforcement officials locked the gates at the spot before putting up concrete barriers to block vehicles from accessing the popular spot.
Another braai master, who wanted to remain anonymous, said with September, Tourism Month, approaching, they were expecting many customers. “But now BCM is depriving us of that.
“We have been co-operating with BCM, but they make empty promises.
“We are tired. “We are losing revenue and most of us depend solely on the income we make from braaiing for people.”
On Friday and Saturday, the women had already positioned their braai stands and patrons were waiting for their meat to be done.
On Saturday, the gates were closed at Marina Glen, but some women were busy braaiing, while others were having a standoff with the law enforcement officers.
Patrons parked their vehicles along John Baillie Road while they waited for their braai orders, as business was continuing inside the precinct despite it being closed off.
By Sunday, operations had moved back to Little Mauritius.
BCM spokesperson Bongani Fuzile warned that no illegal occupation of Ebuhlanti would be tolerated.
“Law enforcement agencies will be deployed to remove all unauthorised individuals from the site.
“Anyone found using or occupying the area unlawfully will face criminal charges.”
Fuzile added that motorists who parked there would have their cars impounded.
“The metro urges the public to stay clear of the site for their own safety and to allow construction to proceed without disruption,” he said.
Fuzile said the Ebuhlanti precinct was still an active construction site.
“While phase one of the development has been completed, the area now being occupied falls under phase two, which has not yet been finalised or certified for public use.”
He said the occupation by the braai women posed significant health & safety risks due to the presence of incomplete infrastructure and the absence of proper safety controls.
“We urge all informal traders who have moved into the unfinished section to vacate the area immediately and return to their previously designated and legal trading site at Little Mauritius.
“BCM remains committed to supporting informal traders through proper channels and providing safe, well-managed public spaces that benefit the entire metro.”
I can imagine the immense frustration of the women and those who love to socialise at Ebuhlanti
DA councillor Sue Bentley said on Sunday that the development was hampered by poor planning, lack of funding and inadequate communication with stakeholders.
Bentley said the project had not been fully costed before work began, leaving the municipality unable to sustain its “lofty ambitions” for the beachfront hub, given the economic situation in BCM.
“The delay now is that there is no money to complete the project. Sewage is running everywhere, water losses are up to 40% and the roads are dangerously potholed.“R70m should never, ever have been conceived as an acceptable amount to spend at Ebuhlanti.”
Bentley said the council had received no updates on the status of the project, which had created uncertainty for the women whose livelihoods depend on selling food at the popular social spot.
“There seems to have been a lack of communication with all stakeholders on the current status of the Ebuhlanti upgrade and plans going forward.”
She said that, although road markings were painted earlier this year, the facility had not reopened, despite municipal officials previously indicating that phase one would be enough to allow partial operation.
“I can imagine the immense frustration of the women and those who love to socialise at Ebuhlanti, and this resulted in them taking it upon themselves to go and use the facility,” she said.
Another point of concern was lack of security at the site, which had left the facility vulnerable to vandalism.
“Like so many projects undertaken by BCM, I am guessing no budget was set aside for security and maintenance of the facility,” Bentley noted.
UDM councillor Anele Skoti’s summary of the situation underlined Bentley’s one.
“BCM is failing these women and also the residents of the metro, because it is the ratepayers’ money which is being wasted on this project.
“BCM needs to act swiftly in ensuring the women who braai for a living are being taken care of.”
Daily Dispatch
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