This is according to a political analyst at the University of the Free State, Sethugelo Matebesi. Matebesi says the current shutdown by protesters in Mangaung is a clear indication of communities being fed up with poor services. He tells OFM News Mangaung has become one of the filthiest cities in South Africa with the municipality battling to provide refuse collection services and other basic municipal services. Matebesi says history has shown that when people start engaging and do not see a responsive government, they resort to protests as is the case in the city at the moment.

“I do not condone what the community is doing for one minute, but this is what has been happening throughout South Africa”.

The OFM News team has reported on how large parts of Mangaung have come to a standstill, including the central business district (CBD), with protesters having blocked several roads with rocks and burning tyres.

The shutdown is being led by a group calling itself the Mangaung Concerned Community and is calling for the disbandment of the Mangaung Metro Council for its alleged failure to ensure the municipality prioritises its residents.

The state of the municipality is said to be getting worse despite having been placed under administration since December 2019.

Matebesi adds that the shutdown will have negative implications on healthcare services with the rollout of the second phase of the Covid-19 vaccines having been set to kick off on Monday.

OFM News