The march started off quite lamely in Thembalethu with only 30 marchers, but tensions rose as a growing amount of protesters demanded that Mayor Charles Standers personally accept their petition. A heavy police presence was deployed to the scene as the small crowd threatened to force their way into the municipal building if Standers did not make his appearance. They refused to hand over the petition to Municipal Manager Trevor Botha.
Standers and all the other councillors were in a council meeting and the mayor left chambers under heavy security to attend to the protesters' grievances. In the petition they demanded that all households that earn R4 000 per month or less must qualify for indigent perks such as free water and lights. At the moment the minimum income to qualify as an indigent household is R3 000.
They also alleged that the municipality only employs DA supporters, and DA Speaker Mercia Draghoender was specifically targeted in this regard. Placards stating 'Weg met Mercia Draghoender' (Away with Mercia Draghoender), 'Skop haar uit' (Kick her out) and 'Stop jobs for pals' were brandished about. They also demanded better service delivery.
Standers told the protesters that it is their democratic right to protest and that he would give feedback regarding their demands within 14 days. He also committed to a meeting with the organisers of the protest.
According to Captain Malcolm Pojie, the Southern Cape Police spokesperson, the ANC applied for the right to organise the protest march. "All legalities of the application were adhered to."
The march started at 09:00 at Four Ways in front of Thembalethu Mall with about 30 people. As the marchers moved towards the CBD, their numbers grew and some protesters were also dropped off by car.
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A heavy police presence was maintained at George Municipality when about 70 protesters threatened to force their way into the building unless Mayor Charles Standers came out to accept their petition. Photos: Christo Vermaak
ARTICLE: CHRISTO VERMAAK
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