Central SA
Service delivery challenges continue in Free State municipalities─── ZENANDE MPAME 14:15 Fri, 26 May 2023
Another service delivery protest was reported this morning at Thabong, Welkom.
Protesters dispersed peacefully after they marched to the Welkom Civic Center to hand over a letter of demand to the MMC of Human Settlements of Matjhabeng.
On their list of demands:
- An installation of electricity for the residents of the Golf Course after site allocation.
- A report on phase 2 of the electrification of Rheederpark Extension 2.
- Adequate water supply to each household, they do not want water from Jolo tanks or walk to collect water.
The Provincial police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, confirmed that a group of 100 people barricaded roads with burning tyres and debris in Thabong.
The police were summoned to the scene and engaged with residents.
Following engagements from the police, an official from the Matjhabeng Local Municipality was arranged to address the residents regarding their concerns.
Thakeng adds that residents were verbally warned by the police to disperse, the group obeyed the instructions and assisted the Public Order Policing by clearing up the streets.
The situation remains under control as the police are monitoring the situation.
“Nobody was arrested, however, a case of public violence has been registered for further investigation,” says Thakeng.
Recently, the Free State has been in the spotlight of service delivery protests. On Thursday, 25 May 2023, 11 protesters were arrested in Ficksburg after they took their frustrations to the streets. The DA in the Setsoto Local Municipality firmly opposed the shutdown, emphasizing it was not a legally sanctioned form of protest.
READ: Arrests made in the Free State service delivery protest
(https://www.ofm.co.za/article/centralsa/326040/arrests-made-in-the-free-state-service-delivery-protest)
A week ago Ventersburg came to a standstill after angry residents of Mmamahabane walked to the municipal offices to demand water.
A few days later irate residents marched to the CBD singing struggle songs and demanding to be addressed by the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Also read: Motorists warned – Mmamahabane residents continue protests
(https://www.ofm.co.za/article/centralsa/325966/motorists-warned-mmamahabane-residents-continue-protests)
