As frustrated Alicedale residents continue to protest against poor service delivery, the ANC looks to map a way forward. The latest
protests, on 7 April, occurred after the ANC Regional Executive committee moved to meet with South African National Civic
Organisation's (Sanco) representatives.
As frustrated Alicedale residents continue to protest against poor service delivery, the ANC looks to map a way forward. The latest
protests, on 7 April, occurred after the ANC Regional Executive committee moved to meet with South African National Civic
Organisation's (Sanco) representatives.
The Regional Executive committee in the Sara Baartman region visited Alicedale on Thursday 2 April and met with the party's
Branch Executive Committee and Sanco’s interim committee to pave a way forward.
Regional secretary’s response
Regional secretary Scara Njadayi condemned the vandalism carried out during the Alicedale protests. However, he said the
residents' frustrations were understandable due to the lack of service delivery in the area.
He acknowledged that some of the issues raised by Sanco were the responsibility of sector departments, but said other issues
needed administrative leadership from Makana.
"It is a matter of concern that we need to discuss with Makana," he said.
Njadayi said they intended to return to Alicedale this week. He said they aimed to bring everyone on board to ensure that there
were no scapegoats.
Woman’s death under investigation
Police confirmed last week that an elderly woman died days after the protests, on Thursday 26 March. Thirty-six people were arrested, including Alicedale councillor Ernest Louw.
Ntoyanto said the residents were also trying to follow up on the cause of death of the woman and the legality of the arrests of the 36 people.
Police on alert
In a statement released last week, police spokesman Lieutenant Luvuyo Mjekula said Alicedale police were on alert as around 200 community members had earlier, blockaded the town’s two entrances.
Apart from blocking the two roads, no violence had erupted, police said.
Protest history
In March, protesters set fire to the community hall and slashed the tyres of municipal manager Mandisi Planga’s car.
