In my capacity as MMC for Community Safety, I would like to condemn in the strongest of terms the reckless, illegal and dangerous politicking by the EFF in the Olievenhoutbosch area where the party is driving illegal protest action and attempted land grabs.
Over the weekend, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) together with private security providers responded to various calls to halt illegal land grabs in Olievenhoutbosch.
In an obvious attempt to further their own political agenda, earlier this morning the EFF once again abused the community’s frustrations by organising a volatile protest action in Olievenhoutbosch by blockading roads with burning tires.
We condemn these actions and the abuse of vulnerable communities for political gain. The City will work with all necessary role players to ensure that the rule of law prevails.
We call on the community of Olievenhoutbosch to constructively engage with the City on service delivery matters. In that way a structured approach can be followed to ensure that the City can provide the necessary services to these communities going forward.
Trusting opportunistic political parties who make empty promises will only lead to further anger, frustration and disappointment.
Despite the City’s stretched resources and financial stability challenges, our multiparty coalition government remains committed to driving quality service delivery for all.