4 June 2009

WCCA Campaign task team negotiations meeting on Memorandum of Demands was held yesterday (3rd June 2009) at Durban City Hall at 2.30-pm. WCCA Campaign task team representatives comprised EMM Market Association, Informal Traders` organisations, SACP leadership, COSATU provincial leadership, SANCO, AMAFA, School of Development Studies, UKZN.

The city was represented by city manager, Mike Sutcliffe, the Deputy City Manager, Dereck Naidoo, Deputy Mayor Logie Naidoo, Council Speaker James Nxumalo, Exco member Nomvuso Shabalala, Phillip Sithole and Thalni Nzama from Busines Support Unit.

The WCCA Campaign task team reiterated its demand that, while it is not opposed to the development of the Warwick Junction area, the development of the R400 mall should be suspended indefinitely.

Outcome of the meeting:

Agreement that there should be a formal site visit by a group representing all stakeholders, scheduled for tomorrow. The purpose of the visit is to look at the consequences of the proposed relocation of market and street traders as result of the construction taking place (flyovers and lack of side walks and rerouting of foot traffic) as well as the future development of the mall. They will also look at the importance of keeping the Early Morning Market where it is.

The city manager stated that he has no power to stop the development of the mall as it has been approved by the city council. The decision has to be taken back to the City Council for review.

The meeting agreed that a smaller group be delegated to meet to take the negotiations forward comprising of Informal traders` representatives, the Tripartite Alliance representative on the one hand and the City Council, on the other, under leadership of the provincial Secretary of the SACP, Themba Mthembu.

"Hands off Warwick Junction!!"

"Negotiation and Social Dialogue!!"

"Nothing For us Without us!!"

Summary of meeting by Gaby Bikombo WCCA Campaign representative present at the meeting held 0n 3rd June, 2009.