This is according to the municipality, which stated that this programme forms part of a follow-up visit from Shabangu to check on how the municipality is resolving the social challenges it is faced with, amongst others the water shortages it was recently faced with which led locals to violent protest actions. OFM News’ Pulane Choane reports that the Minister, as well as the municipal management and other local leaders, will now discuss a way forward with regards to resolving these challenges so that the number of protests are also lessened.

Joining Shabangu at this session are her own team, the MEC of Social Development in the province, Gift van Staden, the chairperson of the ANC in the province, Zamani Saul, as well as the district and local mayors, among others. Today’s programme will focus intently on providing a permanent solution to the water shortage crisis in Olifantshoek where protests flared up earlier this month as over 500 community members took part and barricaded the N14 road with burning tyres and rocks, even burning a truck as part of their protest action. No arrests were made.

Locals alleged that the water shortages were caused by the municipality’s failure to pay its water bill to Sedibeng Water, however, the spokesperson at the municipality, Kamogelo Semaimai, told OFM News that the water cuts were due to a “technical” problem. Water was then restored to the town two days after the protests broke out. 

OFM News