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Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements and Cooperative Governance Lebogang Maile says service delivery matters are complex, huge and a moving target.
Addressing the community of Tembisa during his visit following the disruptive protest that put it on standstill for two days, Maile said:
He said the community was welcome to put pressure on the government but condemned the burning and vandalism of property.
“When you burn things, it becomes something else. I admire activists who decide to raise their hands and say ‘we are going to force the government to do what it is supposed to do’. There is nothing wrong with what they have done, only for the things to be burnt.”
Maile also visited one of the four families of those who died during the protest on Monday alongside Ekurhuleni mayor Tania Campbell, MEC for Community Safety Letlhogonolo Moseki and other provincial officials.
He promised the bereaved family that justice would be served.
READ: Metro cop who ‘shot dead’ Tembisa protester ‘spotted on patrol in the area’
“I am extremely angry. I will phone the minister of police and the MEC for community safety in our province to make sure that Ipid [Independent Police Investigative Directorate] must come in and be merciless in dealing with these animals. This is cruelty. It can’t be condoned, it must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. This is terrible.”
READ: Tembisa victim died in his work gear, family wants justice
The residents have been calling to meet with Campbell, who told the media and the community forum that she would only have a feedback meeting on Friday to address the electricity, as well as water tariff concerns.
The community of Tembisa had gathered at the Moriting Stadium in high hopes of being addressed by Campbell, only to be addressed by Maile who promised that their concerns would be attended to.
The masses dispatched in dissatisfaction and started burning tyres on the road outside the stadium while raising concerns about being without electricity since Tuesday afternoon.
