Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlement MEC Jacob Mamabolo has condemned the barricading of the Golden Highway road, burning of tyres and stoning of cars in Sebokeng, South of Johannesburg. The residents embarked in protest after some of them were not hired to work in the upgrade of the waste water treatment works in Sebokeng.
MEC Mamabolo says the barricading of roads, burning of tyres and stoning cars is not a way to address matters of concern as this inconveniences other road users and putting their lives in danger. “Inconveniencing other road users will not solve the problems at hand. Government once again extends an invitation to come around the table to engage the residents and I urge them to refrain from using violence to raise their grievances. We are committed with the municipality to resolve the issues raised by residents,” said Mamabolo.
MEC Mamabolo has called for calm and pleaded with organisers to engage with the local and district municipalities and his department to resolve the matter.
Mamabolo said acts of violence will not be tolerated when people are given various platforms to raise their issues without resorting to violence. Mamabolo appealed to the general public in Gauteng to use these platforms in order to raise their concerns with government. “Protestors cannot continue to act irresponsibly when the doors of engagement with government are always open. Last year working together with people of Gauteng we managed to bring down the number of service delivery protests and we are still committed to using the same approach,” said Mamabolo.
Last year in January protestors viciously attacked the local councilor after they were not appointed to work in the waste water treatment works in area. The Councillor was attacked at home and sustained serious head injuries during the attack.
For further information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
E-mail to Motsamai.motlhaolwa@gauteng.gov.za
