Traffic was brought to a standstill near the Wild Coast Sun Casino on Friday morning as frustrated residents from Zikhuba village staged a roadblock protest demanding urgent intervention over ongoing electricity outages.The protest, which began in the early hours, has disrupted movement along the main road leading to the Casino, affecting both local and tourist traffic. Community members say they have been left without electricity for extended periods, despite repeated calls for the issue to be addressed by authorities.
“Kwaze kwanzima,” one protestor remarked, expressing the frustration that has built up over weeks of blackouts. “We are tired of empty promises. Our food goes bad, children can’t study, and businesses suffer. This is the only way to get attention.”
Police were on the scene monitoring the situation, but as of midday, the road remained blocked. Motorists are urged to use alternative routes until the situation is resolved.
Municipal officials have yet to issue a formal response to the protest. However, residents say they will not move until there is a clear commitment to restore power and improve service delivery in Zikhuba.
The protest highlights growing tensions in rural Eastern Cape communities who feel sidelined in basic infrastructure development, despite being close to major economic zones like the Wild Coast Casino.
