{
  "id": 17049046,
  "title": "Matibidi residents raise concerns over delayed road project",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/matibidi-residents-raise-concerns-over-delayed-road-project",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T10:54:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/matibidi-residents-raise-concerns-over-delayed-road-project/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Residents of Matibidi, a locality near Graskop in Mpumalanga, have expressed their concerns over a dispute between two traditional leaders that has put a road paving project on hold. The project was put to a halt after the Mashilane Traditional Council accused the contractor of extracting G5 soil without obtaining the required permissions. Court documents seeking an interdict allege that the contractor is excavating the soil too close to residences and graves.\n\nMatthews Mabilu, the coordinator of the council, elaborates on their position: \"Our reason to go to court is because the contractor defies us when we ask him to stop because this is causing hazard. But actually we started talking to them and pleaded with them that, please guys, stop doing what we are doing because here the people they are residing and there are tombs around in this area is going to cause problems.\" Mabilu emphasizes that the Mashilane Traditional Council initiated the road ring project aimed at surrounding the clinic. The council's disagreement lies solely in the method of execution employed by the contractor.",
  "summary": "The project was halted after the Mashilane Traditional Council accused the contractor",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}