In regard to the protests within the municipality, several issues triggered the incidents, such as delays in upgrading the Thokoza hostels which were 60 years old and in a dilapidated state, the chemical toilets that were provided to the communities as well as the alleged unfair allocation of government subsidy houses. However, hostel upgrading has been in the Integrated Development Plans of the municipality for a long time but there was a lack of funds to accomplish the plans. Councillors find themselves in a difficult situation and are traumatised because the communities held them responsible for the delays.