The South African Local Government Asociation (Salga) has expressed serious concerns and condemned violent protests that saw the municipal offices set ablaze, local businesses looted and widespread destruction in Swellendam this week.
Also read: The Presidency dismisses Cape Town mayor’s rail devolution push
Yesterday, Salga president, Bheki Stofile described these events as deeply regrettable and in stark contrast to the values of unity and progress that South Africa holds dear.
‘We strongly denounce these actions and demand immediate and decisive justice,’ Stofile told IOL. ‘Such actions erode our societal foundations and hinder the collective progress we work so diligently towards.’
Salga said it acknowledges the struggles faced by both financially struggling households and numerous municipalities across the country amid ongoing discussions about the financial difficulties faced by municipalities and the status of the poor.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city at half the price? Let these great offers inspire you and fuel your imagination! Get them here.
‘The indigent policy is designed to offer targeted assistance to the most vulnerable families, addressing the financial limitations of municipalities,’ Stofile added. ‘Its aim is to enhance the lives of the indigent by ensuring access to essential free services for the most impoverished, including households led by children. It should never become a catalyst for conflict or the destruction of municipal assets.’
Salga launched the national ‘Asisho! Let us Say It’ civic responsibility campaign last year with the goal of inspiring people to fulfil their financial obligations to their local governments.
This facilitates the provision of essential services to those who are most in need.
A staggering R300 billion is currently owed to municipalities by people and companies, placing a strain on their finances that occasionally affects the services offered to registered indigent households.
Stofile emphasised that a person’s status as being indigent can change depending on their household’s economic circumstances.
Municipalities must make sure that aid is given to those who are actually in need as families’ financial situations get better.
This is accomplished by requesting that registered households reapply for indigent status, usually once a year.
To prevent further incidents like this, Salga encourages communities to encourage open communication with their local authorities.
‘Salga is working closely with the municipality to gauge the damage and ascertain the support needed,’ said Salga Western Cape Chairperson, Donavan Joubert. ‘It’s paramount that essential services are safeguarded, enabling the municipality to continue serving the community.’
The association is pleading with the residents of Swellendam to work with the municipality to develop long-term solutions to the indigent policy. They also urge all stakeholders to support the Swellendam municipality and its community during these challenging times.
This is because Railton and the main town both experienced days of violence during which businesses were looted and damaged. The town is now on edge as a result.
The town’s exits and entrances were all closed early on Wednesday.
Jandre Bakker, a spokesperson for the Western Cape Department of Transport, reported that the N2 was shut down and that traffic had to be rerouted.
The N2 highway and several other roads were blocked by protesters using burning tyres and other objects, according to Southern Cape police spokesperson Christopher Spies.
In an effort to calm the situation, public order police and additional officers from nearby police stations were dispatched to the area. As a result, 64 suspects were detained on suspicion of public violence, malicious property damage, and arson.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the eCommerce industry with an eCommerce Management online course from Next Learning. Get it here.
Also read:
Swellendam municipal building set ablaze amid service delivery protests
Picture: Screenshot / @TrafficSA / Twitter