A protest has ruptured in Swellendam as the security cubicle outside the Swellendam Thusong Service Centre has been set alight. The N2 is also currently closed due to tyres set alight and rocks on the road.
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According to the Swellendam Municipality, traffic is being diverted through town. Members of the South African Police Service, law enforcement, the provincial traffic, HiTech Security, farm watches, neighbourhood watches and Public Order Police are on scene and monitoring the situation closely.
The protest follows several service delivery protests by residents. On 16 August, residents torched municipal offices and looted shops. Two weeks later, on 30 August, a large group marched peacefully to hand a memorandum to DA Mayor Francois du Rand, requesting a set amount of free electricity units to be supplied to indigent households.
Among other requests, residents also want automatic rebates and for fixed electricity connection charges to be waived for pensioners, and power supplied to unconnected areas.
On 19 September, Mayor Du Rand issued a statement in which he condemned today’s shutdown, which is expected to last for 24 hours.
‘In South Africa, community shutdowns, often referred to as protests or strikes, are subject to a set of laws and regulations outlined in the Gatherings Act (Regulation of Gatherings Act No. 205 of 1993). These regulations serve as a framework for conducting such gatherings within the boundaries of the law.’
‘The South African Constitution grants individuals the right to peacefully and unarmed assembly, demonstration, picketing, and the presentation of petitions, as outlined in Section 17. However, this right is not absolute, and limitations are defined in Chapter 2, Section 36 of the Constitution, which prohibits individuals from infringing upon the rights of others while exercising their own.’
‘It’s crucial to emphasise that individuals who choose not to participate in the shutdown have the freedom to exercise their rights, including the freedom of movement and the ability to go to work or school. During the shutdown, participants have the right to voice their concerns, but this must be done in a nonviolent and lawful manner to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions.’
‘Chapter 11, Section 205(3) of the Constitution outlines the objectives of the police service, which include preventing, combating, and investigating crime, maintaining public order, protecting and securing the Republic’s inhabitants and their property, and upholding and enforcing the law.’
‘Law enforcement agencies, such as SAPS, are responsible for maintaining law and order during gatherings and are authorised to use force when necessary. Intimidation is strictly prohibited, and should it occur, SAPS will take appropriate action.’
‘Additionally, damaging public property during a protest will result in legal consequences.
Organisations and participants who engage in violent or unlawful behaviour during a gathering may face legal consequences, including arrest and prosecution. All involved parties need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities to ensure that the gathering proceeds peacefully and within the bounds of the law.’
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300 Swellendam residents march to municipality with memorandum
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