Lebogang Maile, the MEC for Human Settlements, Urban Planning, and COGTA in Gauteng, states that the government is committed to acting swiftly and decisively to resolve the complaints made by Tembisa residents who are protesting.
At least four people have died as a result of the violent demonstrations, which were instigated by discontent about price increases for water and electricity. Public and private facilities have also been destroyed and damaged.
“There are many issues. Some of them can be resolved in the short-term, others in the medium and others will be in the long-term. At the same time, there are issues that will require national government and the province to work with the municipality.
“We commit ourselves to working with the municipality… We want to make sure that whatever happens in these engagements, we are able to solve the problems the people are facing.
“We are also aware that this is not the only community facing these problems. We will [also] have a follow up discussion with all the municipalities to deal with billing [and municipal tariffs],” he said.
Maile noted the community’s genuine complaints and the people’ right to demonstrate. But he said that “criminal elements” tainted the demonstrations and contributed to the development of the violence.
“Criminal elements have sought to hijack the genuine protests and grievances of the people. When you listen to the memorandum… you realise that the grievances are genuine and these are the issues people are facing every day.
“At the same time, we are calling for calm… [This] does not mean that we are suppressing people’s views, but we are saying that if they continue to march and to protest, they must do so in a peaceful manner,” Maile said.
The MEC expressed his condolences to the families of those who passed away and urged the community to unite together to oppose those who capitalised on their righteous demonstrations.
In addition to a meeting with Tania Campbell, the mayor of Ekurhuleni, on Friday, Maile is anticipated to hold a community meeting with the locals on Friday.