Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning today condemned the destruction of the Swellendam Municipal offices and looting of shops during violent and unlawful protest action, which saw 106 people being arrested, of whom 19 where minors.
“The Western Cape Government respects and acknowledge people’s right to protest or to voice their dissatisfaction. But this can never happen through the destruction of property or unlawful behaviour, as was the case in Swellendam which saw the municipal offices being set on fire. When municipal infrastructure is damaged or destroyed, all residents are affected,” Minister Bredell said.
With the assistance of the Department of Local Government, additional firefighting equipment from the City of Cape Town could be redirected to Swellendam, and a provincial task team is being established to see how we can support the municipality.
“At this stage the priority is to protect data infrastructure in order for administrative and financial services to continue that are critical for service delivery to residents,” Minister Bredell said.
“The protests are related to the requirement for households in Majoks, Swellendam to register for indigent support. It is essential that indigent support goes to the people who need it and that municipalities update their registers to support the most vulnerable,” Minister Bredell said.
Contact:
Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Cell: 079 694 3085
