A brief statement from local police doing the rounds on social media, assures residents of the metro, which includes Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Thaba ’Nchu, Wepener, and Dewetsdorp, that lawlessness and traffic disruptions will not be tolerated despite people having the right to demonstrate. 

By 23:00 on Sunday some disgruntled residents had already taken to the streets ahead of the protest date, barricading major roads in Bloemfontein, like Dr Belcher and Moshoeshoe Roads, with rocks and burning tyres. No violence has been reported.

The demonstration is being led by a group calling itself the Mangaung Community Concern. The group, spearheaded by Themba Zweni and Lily Tsoeu, is calling for the disbandment of the Mangaung Metro Council for its failure to steer the metro in the direction of progress following its placement under administration and ongoing failure to render services or complete projects.

”Bloemfontein was once the City of Roses but today it’s the capital of Potholes. We can’t open our windows as the stench from raw sewage running in our streets is unbearable and we are no longer certain as to how long are we going to have water, as the Municipality owes Bloem Water,” says the group. They say Mangaung is rudderless following the ousting of former Mayor Olly Mlamleli and say the situation appears to be worsening.

OFM News